Newbie attempts to install nvidia driver

[epasal]

Hi, I am an absolute newbie who recently installed Linux Mint (dual boot with xp). I got my modem to dial but still cannot connect ( I just downloaded a fix that will hopefully solve the problem). My other problem is installing the nvidia driver. I have an nvidia GE Force 7300 card. I downloaded the driver from nvidia website. However, when I tgry to install it, it falshes the message "error, nvidia must be installed as root". I consulted some posts but they assume that I know 1) how to find the directory where the download is placed and 2) how to log-in as root and enter the appropriate commands. The truth is, I know none of these things. I only know the click and drag method of navigation and have no idea what a root is. Anybody here can give me a line by line guide? Thanks

[900i]

Envy in the Daryna menu is used to install the Nvidia driver. I wouldn't recommend trying to install manually if you were a newbie.

[epasal]

I tried running envy but it says some files need to be installed first. Is this due to the fact that I am still working offline? (Am still trying to make my modem connect to the net)

By the way, thanks for the prompt response

[900i]

You need a net connection with mint as with other Linux distro's because there package managers need to connect to the repositories which are all online. Only distro's like Slackware and Debian have "disk sets" which allow you to work offline with all packages on DVD or CD.

[epasal]

Got its, thanks. Unfortunately, my modem problem is still unsolved.

I tried installing a modem fix but it had no effect. I get the attached screen capture. The modem dials and connects then disconnects. I checked the password and username a few times and it was accurate. The same password and username works in windows. Any idea what I did wrong?

[epasal]

Am still waiting for an answer. In the meantime, I tried the gnome ppp but it does not even dial. with wvdial, I at can at least hear the modem dial and connect then immediately disconnects.

Any good samaritan out there?

[Kynan]

I've never ever set up a modem in linux but if i were to attempt to i would use the network manager rather than the command line because i wouldn't have a clue what commands to use...

Daryna > administration > network

then there should be a modem connection option highlight it and then goto properties. Now you should tick the box "enable this connection" and fill in all the data required in the box's including the username and password..

good luck with it, it's all just a guess on my behalf but this would be how i would go about doing it.

[epasal]

Thanks for the response but the problem is still unsolved. I did this step already the first time but got stumped in supplying the info particularly the "DNS" field and the "host" field. What does one write in there? I am using a prepaid internet card (one where you purchase a card with previously credited internet hours) and it seems to be designed for windows. Anyway, assuming I get to fill out all the required fields, how do I dial? I saw no button or check box for dialing.