more login probs.

[patrick70]

I tried to log in as root and all I get is
[root@localhost root]#, what the heck does this mean? no wonder windows is so popular
(sorry its just the frustration setting in)
How the heck do I get in? no kde, no gnome,
just command prompt.

[hetman]

assuming you made a user account which you intend on using in linux (root is for administration/installation/and not to be used as your everyday account), log in as root, type:
init 5
and given that you've got xfree installed (its the whole gui system for linux) you'll get a login screen pop up where you can login and choose either kde or gnome or whatever.
also, definitely try out www.linuxnewbiews.org (http://www.linuxnewbiews.org) and check the LNO files, they help out newbies (worked for me).
If you want to go back to shell (the 1st login screen) use ALT+CTRL+F1 or F2 or F3, etc.
good luck and don't give up, linux takes time to learn, but once you get it going you wont go back.

[hetman]

an alternate quick approach is just typing:
startx
but there you cant actually choose between kde/gnome, it launches the default one.
make sure you make a user account if you didnt already.

[bigrigdriver]

If you have access to your system from command line only, all is not lost: at least you have access. From the command line, issue this command: cd /etc. Then this command: ls | less, and look for a file called "inittab". When you locate inittab, do "kwrite inittab" to open innitab in the kwrite word proccessor (vim or any other will also work). Look for these lines:
# Default runlevel
id:x:initdefault
where x is an odd number, either 3 or 5. If the number is 3, then your system is set to boot into text mode. Change that to 5 and reboot to get to gui mode.

[kadajawi]

aye... or try out www.linuxnewbie.org (http://www.linuxnewbie.org) :p :D hehe... Well, I don't know, but I think it would be useful if everyone posts in questions which distributing he uses... But usually startx should work. But better don't login as root.

[slapNUT]

no wonder windows is so popular (sorry its just the frustration setting in)

You will quickly change your opinion. After logging in a root create an account for yourself using /usr/sbin/adduser patric then create your password with passwd patric. Now you can exit to the login screen and login as patric using the password you just entered. Once logged in just type startx and you won't be missing Winblows so much anymore!