Hmmm. I guess
Quote:
but this only allowed me to use the install as root.
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sort of confused me.
The name "root" is the user name for the super-user AKA the master administrator. It also is the name for the top of the directory hierarchy --> "/".
But - then I come back to your statement ......
Quote:
but this only allowed me to use the install as root.
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The LMDE that I downloaded did ask me for a username
AFTER I had allocated a partition to "/"
AND Once the install had completed -
AND I had re-booted.
Only then was I allowed to login with the username I had supplied earlier. Ie - "dave"
NOT root.
Maybe your installation didn't ask you for a username?
Maybe you didn't continue to reboot?
Maybe you didn't complete the installation?
What exactly is the problem?
But, then (I think) a light bulb turned on.
Linux allows you to have multiple partitions mounted at different locations throughout the "tree hierarchy". Because it is "flexible" there are less rules and more
conventions. This is great for "those who know" but not so great for those who are expecting that there is only one way (the right way) "to do it".
It is
convention to have a "/home" directory where users (other than root) can store their data. (Sort of like putting all user stuff on "D:\" on windoze)
It is convenient to have a filesystem mounted at that location because - should one wish to re-install the O/S - then the users data could be preserved across re-installs.
If what you are trying to achieve is an installation with the O/S on one partition and the user(s) data on another partition THEN (perhaps) the following will help.
When you enter gparted by clicking "edit partitions" you can create 3 partitions;
- the root partition (bigger than 3Gb)
- the swap partition (about 1Gb)
- A home partion - for user data - as big as you think sufficient (The install puts nothing here - it's your space)
.
Make the "type" of partition either ext3 or ext4 for root and home. Make the "type" swap for the swap partition.
"APPLY" the changes from the "Edit" menu.
close gparted.
Refresh.
Now RIGHT CLICK the partition that you made for root and choose "/".
AND
RIGHT CLICK the partition that you made for home and choose "/home".
THEN
click "forward" and continue with the installation. You should be asked for a your full name, the username you want, a password and the name for this machine.
Fill that form in and continue.
Eventually - you should get the message that the install is complete and then you must shutdown and reboot.
When it reboots - eventually it gets to a login screen where the default name that you can choose is the username you setup earlier.
Of course I could be wrong. So, if what you are trying to achieve is NOT having a separate partition for user data - then what I have typed won't be any use.
Your next step after a successful installation
could be to install the VirtualBox LinuxAdditions.
Dave