million linux questions

[mq1]

I am definitely green on linux just like the icon.I bought a book with a cd to install redhat linux,and have it installed,and now am not sure on how to get the video right as it seems like its 640-480 and I cant see all the screen when trying to go thru different windows.Any help here ?And assuming that most people like me that try unix are someone wanting something different and more stable and to learn unix.Can someone explain to me the difference between linux and like windows as far as [I have heard platform os and monolithic,but not sure how the apps work thru either one]?and can I set this up to boot just text mode to learn more just like I did 20 years ago with dos?Thanks ahead of time for any links or answers,and I am sure I will have more.mike

[mairving]

What version of Linux are you running?
Some of them you can change the monitor resolution on the desktop. Pretty much all of them can be changed by a couple of options. If you are in a window session log out to the command line. Type in xf86config. Words in Linux like Unix are case sensitive. So typing in Xf86config is different. Now you can also type in xf8 & press TAB KEY. This will complete your typing for you. Once you are in the configurator, you can change your settings. If you want to stay with the default, press ENTER. When you get to the end, it will ask if you want to write to disk (save settings), answer YES. Now to get back to the desktop, type in startx. Your desktop should load. Here is more info on this config file.

As far as the differences between Linux & Unix, they are mostly cousins. There are some internal differences. The major difference is the open-source model. Unix, like Linux, has many flavors. For the most part they are not open-source. In other words, there code is secret. Companies like SCO make some pretty big bucks. Linux was developed by Linus Torvald. He wanted an open-source model. That is the code would be publicly available to anyone. His reason was simple. That it would be free and anyone would be able to make improvements to the code. But how can this be possible if companies like Redhat sell copies. Well that is the secret. You can download the same version that you buy. You just don't get any support on downloaded copies. That is a pretty simple explanation. I am sure that Ex-Static Cling can improve on some of this.

[mq1]

It looks like a good site for configuring after I try and figure it all out.The version is redhat linux 6 and I know that when I say this,I show my really newbie state,but is the only way to get to a prompt is thru a window session or is there a way to actually boot into text mode?and I cant get my man pages to show,so I can learn more about the commands and how to get around better.mike

[mairving]

It has been said that the only stupid question is the one that is not asked. So don't worry about asking questions.

When you are at the desktop, Hold down the Ctrl Alt F1-4 keys. This will open another virtual terminal window. Press Ctrl Alt F7 to return to the desktop.

[mq1]

Thanks I will try when I get on next time.I am on a windows machine right now because I havent figured out how to set up a dial up,and because of my son wanting aol.I wish that I could get him to forget aol.I dont know how many times in the last several years that it has messed up peoples computers.well thanks.mike