I just installed Linux...

[Citadel535]

I installed Fedora and this is my first time using Linux. The desktop resolution wont let me change it beyond 640 x 480. Can anyone tell me what to do?

 

[imported_nightfox]

Maybe you have to run as root.
Also Fedora Core 9 will be released soon. May 13th I think.

Edit: OP changed post while I was typing.

The resolution problem might be because you are using a VESA driver.
If you installed driver from ATI then you should be using fglrx

 

[silverpig]

You probably don't have the video drivers set up. Are you using an nvidia card? ATI/AMD? Intel?

 

[Citadel535]

I have a Radeon HD 2600. I am new to this, just being unable to change screen res makes using the desktop difficult. I downloaded a run file from ATI's site but I get an access denied. I am not sure how to run as root as on the login screen I only have my name.

 

[imported_nightfox]

When you log in open a terminal window and type "su -" without quotes. It will ask for password, enter it and if its right you will be running as root in terminal.

 

[Citadel535]

I type su and it does change the terminal to root@.. but still get access denied when I try to run the ati driver .run file.

I think once I get the resolution fixed I can mess around with it to pick up the learning curve.

 

[imported_nightfox]

I found this.
http://forums.fedoraforum.org/showthread.php?t=155503
"Howto for F8" and the first step is what you are looking at if you want to install the driver.

 

[DarkThinker]

You don't need the ATI drivers to change the resolution to what your screen can handle. Just go to System ---> Administration ---> Display
type in your root password, then click on the hardware tab ----> configure button, then select the lcd or crt with th maximum resolution that your monitor can handle. Press OK and OK again to exit, it will give you a note that these settings will be applied next time you login.
(Also you can give the video card type selection a shot, it might be a tad better than the VESA driver, however you won't be getting 3D acceleration from it)

Logout then Login again, go to System ----> Preferences ---> Hardware ------> Screen Resolution, then change your resolution to the proper one.