mandrake linux help

[my name is ben]

I just installed Mandrake Linux 9.2 on my computer (dual boot with xp pro). It seems to have installed ok but when the bootloader comes up there are 4 options for linux (linux-enterprise, linux, linux-smp, linux -(something else), and windows of course). I choose each one of the linux ones but kde doesnt load it just goes to the command prompt. During the install it asked me if i wanted kde to load by default and i checked yes. How do i get a gui? Please help!

[MPH]

Type startx at the prompt. Once you get in KDE you can change the way Mandrake boots, by using DrakBoot and selecting the "Launch the graphical enviroment when your sistem starts" option.

Edited December 21, 2003 by MPH

[markwolfe Veteran]

I assume you get a text login, and after you *do* login, you have a bash (or other shell) prompt, something like "dude@localpc $"?

If so, then "startx" will start up your X Window session.

If it works well, and you want it to start automatically every time, you can edit /etc/inittab to set the runlevel to 5, instead of 3 (where it probably is now).

Now, why this would not have been done for you when you selected to start KDE (actually, you are starting X, which in turn should start the Window Manager and environment of your choice).

Mark

[chavo]

By the way what you are changing is the default run level. It is located in /etc/inittab the line looks like this ->

id:3:initdefault:

if it has a three the default run level is console.C hange the 3 to a 5 to boot into graphocal login. Of course you can stick to using the gui but it's cool to know what's going on under the hood. You can also configure Mandrake to log you in automatically, helpful if you're the only one that uses the computer.

[MPH]

You can also change other boot parameters with Mandrake Control Center, for example splash screen, GUI, etc..

[my name is ben]

tried startx....it gave me an error...perhaps a video card issue...im using a radeon 9600 pro..is this imcomapible?

[MPH]

tried startx....it gave me an error...perhaps a video card issue...im using a radeon 9600 pro..is this imcomapible?

You must edit the /etc/X11/XF86Config-4. :no:

When you installed Mandrake did you tested the video settings?

[my name is ben]

You must edit the /etc/X11/XF86Config-4. :no:

When you installed Mandrake did you tested the video settings?

no i didnt know you could test the video settings

how do i edit that file

[MPH]

Since you said you are a linux newbie (and I don't know the Radeon specs) I would recommed to reinstall Mandrake once again. This time test the video settings.

[my name is ben]

how do i test them?

[my name is ben]

and what am i looking for?

[my name is ben]

i have used unix at school and stuff i might be able to edit that file you could tell me what to change

[MPH]

At some point of installation process you will be asked to select your video card, monitor and resolution. Once you choose your hardware there is a button "test video settings" (I have forgot the exact name, sorry). Click on this button and if Mandrake recognizes your hardware you will see now window, if not the monitor will go blank for 15 seconds. Choose another combination and try again.

I recommend you to use the 16-bit resolution under linux.

[my name is ben]

it never asked me to select my video settings or any hardware for that matter except for the partition in which to install

[MR_Candyman]

the answer is simple...don't do the dummy install...

[MPH]

Here's the pic

[my name is ben]

ok i reinstalled and tested the video settings...i could not find a working configuration...i have a ati radeon 9600 pro and i found radeon under the graphic cards but it still would not work....does this mean i cannot run mandrake with this card or is there a driver that i can download and install somehow? thanks for all your help so far, I hope you guys can help me figure this out

[markwolfe Veteran]

There should be no problem running Linux using almost any current video card.

However, we *do* seem to be having a problem.

I recommend posting your /etc/XF86Config file, and see if anyone notices anything weird. In particular, the Monitor Device and Screen sections would be of interest.

[Mike Douglas]

just use VESA until you can install the binary modules off of ATI's site

[my name is ben]

just use VESA until you can install the binary modules off of ATI's site

what do you mean vesa

[Mike Douglas]

VESA is basically a general driver for vga that support many cards (I'm 100% sure it supports Radeon 9600). This will allow you to have a usable desktop.

[JadeWolf324]

LOL i love the faked out picture up there :p