Very Computer

I am very new to the world of Linux, but I am so e*d about using
it.  I just got a copy of RedHat 6.1 and I wanted to give KDE a try.
This is bundled with RedHat as is GNOME.  I can get GNOME installed and
running fine, I can get KDE installed but I can't launch it.  When I
type startkde at the prompt here is what I get:

kbgndwm: cannot connect to the X Server
kcontrol: cannot connect to the X Server
/usr/bin/startkde: /etc/sysconfig/sound:  No such file or directory
/usr/x11r6/bin/xdpyinfo: unable to open display ""
kfm: cannot connect to the X Server
krootwm: cannot connect to the X Server
kpanel: cannot connect to the X Server
kwm: cannot connect to the X Server

I did check KDE's web site and saw a note for Linux about setting up X
first.  But I am really lost.  I mean RH6.1 has a nice GUI install and
when you select the KDE Workstation install I would think it would setup
everything needed to run it, including X Server.

If this is too much I apologize.  I guess I can use GNOME, but it just
looks like KDE is the way to go and it is definately my first choice.

Thanks in advance,

Hi Keith.

In order to change the default desktop environment under RH6.1 you need
to do the following:

1) Log in as root:

2) Create a file called 'desktop' (No quotes) in /etc/sysconfig which
contains the following single line:

KDE

Once this is done whenever you bring up X with the 'startx' command, KDE
should start as well.

Hope this helps.

- Greg

Keith,

There is a menu choice in Gnome called Desktop Switching tool or
accessory.  This lets you switch your GUI without editing any files.
It gives you a list of available GUI's.  After you choose one, you must
log out to a command prompt and then type startx to start the new GUI.
This will load the proper X server and then take you to KDE.

Zane

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Keith,

This an update on my last message (I wasn't at my Linux box when I sent
the first one).
The Desktop Switching Tool is on the Red Hat menu under System.  It
will let you choose which GUI to use.

Zane

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Greg and Zane:

Thank you both for replying to my message.  Zane I gave the tool you
mentioned a try, but when I selected it, it never came up?  This was in
GNOME of course, just wouldn't launch.  So Greg I gave your suggestion a
run and it worked great!  Once KDE was up the Desktop switching tool
started working, hahaha.  Very funny!!  One more question, does KDE have
its own tool for configuring the port Eth0 or do I still use the default

statically.  But now it has stopped working...anyhow..topic for another
group.

Thanks for your help guys!!  Big learning curve for me and Linux, but I
really like the community of users and the thought of using something
other than MS.

-Keith Harrison