if you have a red background, it indicates that you are running X as root.
Thank you nightflier, for your response. Much appreciated.
I run as root, because of discovering that if not, one receives nasty error messages informing one that it is not possible to make whatever change one wishes. In this case, I sought to change the screen resolution, which I envisioned as being some sort of "system" type command, and therefore, I supposed that to have a change affecting the entire system, not just for me logging in as me, but for me, even when I am parading as root, that I would need to make the change as "root", not as me. If I can make the change without being "root', fine, then, we can eliminate "root". That would be my preference. I don't experience this schizophrenic problem with XP.
Screen resolution. I finally figured out what you meant. You meant to write, but did not, go to start, then click on terminal, NOT (as I of course did!!! hahaha, what a moron!) "Run Command". that only produced an error message.
Now the funny thing is that after running lspci > info.txt, lsmod > moreinfo.txt and then again invoking the browser for internet, i.e. "firefox", (since seamonkey, which I normally use, is unavailable,) I discovered that the resolution WAS NOW CORRECTLY DISPLAYING 1024 x 768. Wonderful. That problem is solved. Vector Linux now displays as well as Puppy Linux and XP. Hurrah. The new problem is that, unlike Puppy Linux, or Crunchbang Linux, both of which play OGG files on clicking, VL just asks me, which application I want to use, and of course, I am accustomed to using VLC, but willing to use any other application, however, when I choose "browse", BOOM, nothing. no choice. Where is VLC? IF VLC is not available, which application should I use instead, and how do I find it?
Web cam: not so lucky here: I followed your instructions, (thank you, very clear!!!) Here's the error messages:
Cannot open /dev/video0.
Please check if your system has the correct driver for your webcam, or change the webcam device in settings->preferences.
So, I fiddled a bit with one of the drop down menus, and changed the camera type to 1394, and restarted the application, but I received this error message. Perhaps it is necessary to reboot?
Error recording!
Perhaps the device hasn't been correctly open
Anyway, thanks very much for your excellent advice....