UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

I am presently trying to install linux on my machine that is already running Win XP. I have tried several different versions. I began with a Mandrake Linux installation cd. I could not bring up the graphical installer so I proceeded with the text installer. Somehow I managed to partition my hard drive and I guess get a text only, "terminal" type, version of Mandrake (i.e. no desktop environment). I have since tried to install Caldera, Redhat, and Suse. Every time I opt for the manual installation or graphical install, my screen turns black.

I have been looking into the Nvidia linux update and have tried installing the driver, NVIDIA-Linux-x86-1.0-4363.run, with no success. I could really use some help.

graphics card: NVidia GForce 4 Ti 4600
processor: 2.63GHz P4
current OS: Windows XP w/ SP1

any other info you need. I should be right here. Thankyou.

I'm not sure what it might be ... someone else was having a similar problem the other day - maybe you can find some useful info in that post?

do you have enough RAM for a graphical install? when the screen turns black does the moniter have a message on it, like 'out of range' its possible that you are setting your refresh rates incorrectly. try suse again, use the latest version 8.2. use the text only installer and before you begin the install look for the option to load drivers. you may be able to load drivers for your graphics card right away. i may be wrong, but i suspect you have insufficient ram to run the initial graphical installer.

I have a gig of ram so i don't think that is the problem. I am going to try the text install with the driver thing shortly. I'll let you know how it works out.

yeah its not your ram. well good luck let us know how it goes.

What monitor are you using? The monitor and the video card must both be set up to match the sync, refresh rates, etc.

My advise would be to configure Linux to work without X and then after you are happy, get X up and running (as a stand along service).

I would never, personally, try to insure that the graphics work as a part of the initial install. I would perform the initial install, insure that is fine and they step-by-step work the complexities of getting the graphics up and tuned.

id also add that you should be very careful when you are dealing with monitor sync and refresh rates. as setting incorrect values for your particular monitor could possibly damagge your monitor. see the manual for your monitor if you have it, it will contain safe settings that you can use.