<HTML><HTML>Thanks Derek for more time and trouble The tip about trying to open something by command line if it won't open from the GUI so I get information on why it won't start is useful and noted > Why???? I just don't understand this need - especially from Windows > users who have never had a 'root' in the first place - to twist Ubuntu's > intent. There is exactly one reason why you might _need_ a root > password, and I have yet to see anybody mention it. I am suitably admonished re root / sudo etc. and will get in line henceforth But purely by way of explaining the psychology underlying the drive to be able to be root, i.e. not trying to justify it, argue back or start (repeat!) a debate: As a newcomer to Linux obviously one has a lot to discover and get used to. Especially if the Windows was just 9x and with no networking. While trying to get to grips with all this one is often blocked if one is not root. (Or sudo) And, if one has arrived at Ubuntu via another type of Linux, one has picked up the picture of there being ordinary users, and root. So when trying to explore (the OS as opposed to the apps) on one's own, unconnected, not used for work, probably going to reload it soon, no confidential files on it, PC, the thought occurs, depending on the particular task, why not do so as root? (The more work I put into an installation the less I shall want to risk spoiling it) Thus the explanation is (was) an effort to minimize complications by keeping things consistent. By setting up Kubuntu to use existing knowledge, avoiding a variation with regard to commands. Doing things the same way I did and may do again with SUSE and perhaps other sorts of Linux "Tout comprener, c'est tout pardonner" "With every gain there is loss, with every loss there is gain" Cheers, Edward </HTML>