DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

Linux: from Console to GUI

8 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/linux-from-console-to-gui.18214/

mohanty1942
mohanty1942 Original post #1
Nov 6, 2005 at 5:24 PM
During installation of RH Linux 8.0 I selected the console option as default(from console & GUI) . Now each time I start linux I get the command promt. How to change to GUI screen ?
praka123
Nov 6, 2005 at 6:23 PM
Did u mean Text install u did?then u need to install GNOME or KDE in full.else
try "startx" without Quotes :D
vignesh
vignesh #3
Nov 6, 2005 at 9:19 PM
Login and issue startx.If you want the login screen then login as root and issue gdm or kdm.

By the post the question in right section in order to get quicker replies..
T
Nov 6, 2005 at 9:41 PM
goto the /etc folder
edit inittab
that is
[cdoe] vi /etc/inittab[/code]
there change the defaulr run level id from 3 to 5
now ull be greeted with the GUI everytime u boot
u can switch to command mode by pressin alt+f1 ( or f2/f3/f4/f5/f6]
u get six terminals
to switch back to gui press alt+f7

note alt+f7 wont work if x server hasnt started

moving to open source
praka123
Nov 7, 2005 at 12:15 AM
i just want2 clarify that for getting Text interface or alternate logins u need to
CTRL+ALT+F1.....F7
vignesh
vignesh #6
Nov 7, 2005 at 8:48 AM
@prakash you can have as many as you want(till F12).By default F7 is used as the gui and the extra gui logins are in F8 onwards...
desertwind
Nov 7, 2005 at 8:52 AM
@vignesh: prakash has just clarified that it is ctrl+alt+f1..7, not alt+f1...7 as theraven said.
vignesh
vignesh #8
Nov 7, 2005 at 1:21 PM
oh ok....I got carried away a bit