Please Teach me to use Backtrack.

[BFRG6306]

Okay, so I've been on Windows for about 10 years
Vista for about five.

I first used Linux, specifically Ubuntu about two years ago.
I didn't like it, so after an hour I went back to Win.
For some reason, I keep going back about once or twice a month to a live CD to see how hard it would be. I love Linux but it's overwhelming all the stuff I have to learn... I know how to code about 5 different languages, and modify any program only under Windows, if I tried it under Linux, I'd explode my brain.


Anyway, I'm now running BackTrack 4 dually with Vista until I get to know the workings and all about it. I just have a few questions... why not ask here?

Specs first:

HP Pavilion DV6-1245DX

1. For some reason, I click on Network manager under the "Network" menu but nothing happens... doesn't open. It will open on the live CD but not on the install, I need to connect to the internet via my Wireless network.

2. Sound not playing whatsoever.

3. The touch buttons just next to the power button by the hinge don't resopnd or control anything, they should manage volume and mute. The touch button for WiFi however does work.

4. Why do I have to type "startx" every time I boot up??? Can I skip that and let it boot all the way to the desktop? Also, looking to bypass logging in. Maybe automate these.

5. In Lunix, why can't a username be capitalized?

6. Can I use BT 4 as a complete OS? Basically replace Ubuntu or Vista and expect the full functionality of both? I want to leave Windows, and BT is the best distro I've found so far.


Okay, please and thank you for your answers.
I extremely appreciate your help! Looking forward to switching.

[lupin]

After having used Linux extensively for several years I can tell you with a great deal of confidence that if you are not the type of person who is willing and able to research and solve your own computer problems, then Linux is NOT for you. (Especially not an Advanced distro like Backtrack)

This is also not the type of forum where we spoonfeed answers to basic Linux problems, or to re-answer questions that have already been asked. Even without searching myself I can tell you that a majority of the questions you have just asked have already been discussed at length here in multiple different threads, as well as elsewhere on the Internet.

So, go and search for the answers to your questions, and come back here only after you have tried various different solutions, and you can tell us what didnt work. The rules that you agreed to when you joined up actually told you to do this before asking questions - did you read them?

[Ceratog]

I'll toss you a couple of answers and let you work on the rest. But, as always, Lupin speaks the truth. BackTrack is an advanced version of linux and if you are a beginner, you may find that Ubuntu suits your needs more closely. Also, you will find a wealth of knowledge waiting for you in this and other forums along with readily available documentation on the web. You will be hard pressed to find a problem that has not already been encountered, fixed and documented for others to reference.

#1) Open konsole and type
sudo wicd
You'll be promted to enter your password, and within a couple of moments a line will be displayed showing you the path of wicd.pid. Go back to the main menu and launch the network manager; configure your wireless connection and you should be ready to go.

#2)You need to edit /etc/group. Look for the line that says audio:x:29: Enter your user name at the end of that line leaving no spaces.

#6) Yes. I use BT4 as my daily OS and I am extremely happy with it. But the answer to the second question depends entirely on the use you have for Windows.

I hopes this helps. If you like to learn and don't mind configuring things yourself then dive in to BT4 and you will find that the search function in this forum and Google are your best friend. If, and many here would suggest this, you want to ease your way into Linux then stick with Ubuntu or maybe even Debian. Ubuntu is IMHO the friendliest flavor of Linux available. Best of luck to you.

[BFRG6306]

I figured the Network Manager one out, and I'm happy with that because I can not be on BT4. I'm posting this under that OS now. Anyway, I have added my username to the audio line but still no good. That's all I need help with as I need sound for this operation to work. After I have audio, I can then follow some tutorials on basic use of this OS before I dive full speed into it.

I loved Ubuntu, but I like KDE better than Gnome. It's cleaner.
Plus, Kubuntu is a PITA to even get started on my system.

[archangel.amael]

Use sensible descriptive titles in your posts - not titles such as "Please Help!!" or "Need Assistance" or "what Am I Doing Wrong?" etc
Thread title changed because OP failed to read the rules.