> Second, I can't figure out exactly how I am supposed to setup my 'user'
> account (the non-root account). Specifically, I don't have write
> permissions in my home directory (because it was created by root). I tried
> 'chown' and that didn't seem to do it. I know this sounds pathetically
> stupid, but, hey! I warned you in the subject line :)

Use 'chmod +w .' to make it writable.

> Last, for now, I tried to change my default shell to tcsh by doing several
> things including alterring the password database ('chpass' or something),
> but it kept saying something like "non-standard shell" and rejecting my
> change (I'm afraid I can't let you do that, Dave). I altered the
> /etc/csh.login file so that it launches tcsh, but that actually adds a
> second level of shell so when I logout, I need to exit twice... suggestions?

As root:

    echo `which tcsh` >> /etc/shells

It should now be possible for you to set that as your shell using 'chpass'
or 'chsh'.

Todd Whitesel
toddpw @ best.com