So, you have just installed Debian GNU/Linux. Good for you! But, what now? All you have is a black screen in front of you with no mouse pointer or application menu or anything! What gives?!
What you need now is to install a Desktop Environment. Don’t fret, it’s actually pretty easy.
1. Install The X Window System
First, install the base X Window System GUI environment by issuing this command as root:
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# apt-get install xorg
There are a few questions you will be asked after the installation. Accepting the default choices should be fine.
2. Install a Desktop Environment
Next you will need to install a Desktop Environment. The two most popular are Gnome and KDE. You can install one or both to try them out.
To install a Desktop Environment, issue the following command as root:
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# apt-get install gnome
Or replace ‘gnome’ with ‘kde’ for KDE.
3. Run your Desktop Environment
After you have a Desktop Environment installed you can test everything by logging in as your non-root user and issue the command:
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$ startx
This should bring up your new GUI environment. Now you’re ready to start using your new Debian GNU/Linux computer!
Notes:
If you would like a nice GUI environment to login with, you have the choice of installing GDM, KDM, or XDM. GDM seems to be the most popular, but you are more than welcome to try out any of the others:
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# apt-get install gdm
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If you think you messed up on the configuration of the X Window System, you can run this command as root to reconfigure the package:
If you run Sarge:
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# dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xfree86
If you run Etch or Sid:
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# dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg
