Desktop Activation

[CJ]

Lars Ewell wrote:
> To Whom it May Concern,
>  
>   I have been attempting to get ubuntu going
> here, but have run into difficulties.  I downloaded
> the software and created a boot CD, and
> then attempted to boot my x86 intel machine
> with the CD.
>  
>   I first got a ubuntu desktop that prompted me
> for a username and password, which I did not
> have.
This has occured to me from time to time. what worked as the following:
user ID: livecd
password: [no password]


>  
>   I then rebooted again, and was launched into
> an active linux terminal, but there is no desktop.
> i.e. just a line prompt but nothing else, no windows.
> I attempted to initiate the gnome desktop via a
> 'gnome-session' command, but that did not work.
> I got an error that referenced 'ELF'.
try startx

>  
>   Does anyone know how to initiate a desktop
> with ubuntu?
>  
>   Thanks in advance.
>  
>   regards,
>  
>   Lars Ewell
>