Linux newbie here;

Gateway Solo 2150 laptop.
I'm running the latest debian install, I believe just the core system
(downloaded the -1 iso image).  It seems to be running fine.  I then
ran apt-get and installed (if I recall right) x-window-system-core
gnome-core, gdm and a few others.  (I did it that way based on a post a
found related to another user who didn't want the entire gnome package)
Now on booting, it gets to the point where it displays the loging
prompt, the display flickers maybe a couple times, then I get an
xwindow error (or is it xserver?).  It's XFree86 Version 4.3.0.1
Based on this is in the report, is it just because I don't have a mouse
hooked up?

(EE) xf86OpenSerial: Cannot open device /dev/input/mice
No such device.
(EE) Configured Mouse: cannot open input device
(EE) PreInit failed for input device "Configured Mouse"
No Core Pointer

Fatal server error:
failed to initialize core devices

After exiting the report,  I see that above my login, it says:

Starting GNOME Display Manager: gdm.
Not starting X display manager (xdm); it is not the default display
manager.

Is it one or the other: gdm or xdm?  What's their relationship?

During the install of xwindow, it gave me questions about the display
and mouse.  I don't recall all the choices, but I think I chose PS/2
and "dev/input/mouse" as none of the other choices seemed better.
There didn't seem to be any choices for the trackpad, but is there?
How can I reconfigure so it looks fo rhte trackpad and not a mouse?
And if I do want to attach a mouse, how do I set it up?

Thanks!

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I fixed it!

Browsing the net, I did the following:

added
"mousedev"
after
"psmouse"
in the etc/modules file

Reboot, and it worked.  Actually, the ps mouse didn't work, but I
plugged in a usb infrared and it worked.

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