I have a problem with the Debian Linux release; actually, the problem narrows down to the TK software. While Xwindows works just fine when logged on as root, Xwindows will not start when logged on as a user. Since my machine is a single user box, log ons, permissions and authorizations boil down to mere troublesome convolutions. However, the Debian system will not allow root to use the dial up ppp, for security reasons, and the ordinary user, who is considered secure, can't run Xwindows to fire up the browser, the result is a Humpty-Dumpty chicken and egg problem. When xdm is started by the user, a message, "Only root wants to run xdm" appears. The system has created an Xsession-errors file in the user home directory that reads, "exclusive open for tmp-name failed in m4_defs: permission denied." The system also created two .Xauthority files, one each in the root and user home directories, but only root had the Magic Cookie, which I extracted with the xauth command, and added to the user's previously blank .Xauthority file. No change, same messages. I am a New York columnist working on an article about the Linux phennomenon. I was given the Red Hat CD release to work with, but the Debian policy of offering an extensive Linux system via Internet download, free and open to all, intrigued me more. I decided to try it for myself, and have been favorably impressed by the high quality of the product.
Joseph Tiraco 1/14/99 [EMAIL PROTECTED]