I would like to say that I've been pretty disappointed with Lucid Lynx. Karmic Koala was definitely the best linux release ever and would've stayed with it if I could have. Anyway... So, I think the best thing to do is to allow me to connect to your computer. I don't know if the following will work or not, but it's worth a try. I created a user account on my computer for you. Of course, it's "kat". So, to log into my computer, from a terminal window, type: $ ssh -l kat robert.homelinux.com Type in the password. Make sure that works -- you should get the prompt "kat@cuds:~$". If it works, log out (type "exit" followed by RETURN). Then, we'll try something a little more complicated which will allow me to access your computer. Log in again, but use this command: $ ssh -l kat -R:2222:127.0.0.1:22 robert.homelinux.com After this, we should talk on the phone. I'll then try to poke at your computer to see if it is accessible. If it is, then we'll try the final step, which will be to add an account on your computer for me (unless you trust me with your username and password -- it's your call). To add an account for me, go to System->Administration->Users and Groups and click "Add". You can just call the account "robert", if you'd like. You can tell me the password on the phone. If all goes well, we can try the last step which would be to allow me to access your screen. The way to do this is to go to System->Preferences->Remote Desktop to make sure it allows users to connect. Then, I'll try connecting and you'll get a dialog which will allow me to connect. At that point, I may be able to diagnose/fix the problem. Phew. How's that?