[Jackiefrost9]

Let's start by saying I have no knowledge of linux beyond the FAQ in this forum.

I just installed Mandrake 10 because I want to learn how to work with Linux. When I first started my computer after the installation, I got a new window that listed Linux, windows, and linux (insert different mode here). So I chose Linux, but all I got was a mode that reminded me of DOS. So I reboot and tried the other modes, but they are all the same. During the installation, I had it install all of the different graphic interface "programs"... I'm not sure if that's what you call them. So i've seen screen shots of what this should look like, and I think I installed it right, so now I need to know how to get there. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

If that was unclear let me know.

[Jackiefrost9]

I figure I might as well give some more info.
The other two linux options I have are failsafe and linux-nonfb. In linux-nonfb I see it load everything into the memory, then my monitor reports the error "outside allowed frequency" and I have to restart it. In failsafe, well that looks like normal linux to me.

[tsunam]

sounds like your xorg/xfree setting for monitor refresh are incorrect.

do a vi /etc/X11/xorg.conf (xfree86.conf) either or depending on what mandrake 10 uses, it should be xorg if memory serves correct. Look for the monitor settings area. What you need to double check is

HorizSync 31.5, 35.15, 35.5
and
VertRefresh 50-75

make sure that the numbers match what your monitor is capable of...

[Elvandil]

Mandrake 10.1 defaults to console mode if you don't have enough memory to support a GUI. How much do you have? 128 megs would be a good minimum.

[jakoval]

In Mandrake you can run XFDrake (as root) to set up your monitor, video card, etc. Make sure you know in advance what specific card you have and your monitor's specs (often on a sticker on the back of the monitor or available from the manufacturer's website).

[Jackiefrost9]

Originally Posted by Elvandil

Mandrake 10.1 defaults to console mode if you don't have enough memory to support a GUI. How much do you have? 128 megs would be a good minimum.

It's not that, I have a gig of memory.

I'll try to see if I can actually do what jakoval and tsuman suggested and post back a little later.

[Jackiefrost9]

I can only get into failsafe now. I cannot loggon under root... I'm not sure why but it won't take my password. I'm gonna re-install it to take care of this and maybe correct the problem by re-configuring my monitor during the install. Third time's a charm...

[lynch]

To do what tsunam suggests, be sure you login as root.
I'm sure tsunam is right, but you might try typing the startx command after logging in. If nothing else, it will kick out some error messages, like "no screens found.." for example.
lynch

[Jackiefrost9]

Well I just got done with the re-install and I am posting from within linux now... I've only been around here a little bit but I like it so far. Thanks to everyone for thier help... I guess a 3rd install did it. When I was installing I made sure to configure my monitor very carefully and it decided to work now. Thanks again, but I'm sure I'll be back here with some more questions.

[Elvandil]

Thanks for posting back. It took me 3 installations, too, before I got it the way I wanted. I didn't pay enough attention the first time and just made the wrong choices the second. You can use /rescue to repair your installation without changing the options.

I still prefer my Knoppix (customized and installed to HD or not), but 10.1 is a good Mandrake. But 2005 looks to be even better (yearly releases from now on with years as version numbers). If you like Knoppix at all, the Mandrake Move live CD is pretty good, too.