im2,
thanks - just tried the new command and got this reply:
~ $ apt-get install wget
E: Could not open lock file /var/lib/dpkg/lock - open (13 Permission denied)
E: Unable to lock the administration directory (/var/lib/dpkg/), are you root?

any (more) ideas?

By the way, I am very thankful for your extended help. I'm sure it's monotonous for you to explain very basic things to this newbie, so if we can't get this to work, maybe I'll just give it a rest for awhile, and tackle some other Tablet challenges and work myself back to this.

Please let me know if you're out of ideas (or patience!), Im2.

make sure app manager is closed?

also, try closing xterm, opening new xterm, NOT gaining root, and entering

apt-get install wget

The app manager is closed -- have just the browser open (actually, it's midori -- i never could figure out how to copy/paste in tear), and x term.

Just to confirm, I should type this at the $ prompt:
apt-get install wget

I'm cool to give you a rest at this point, Im2. I can bone-up on the machine and read any/all related threads and generally get more acquainted with the tablet in the meantime. I'll probably try to get the usbmodem program for my wife's Centro and try that, if i can pull it from her gripping hands. .

Again, quite impressed with the extensive help I've gotten here in just a couple of days.

Thanks - closed out x term, opened it again, but am not sure if I'm in the root or not. Anyway, i tried the command with the new x term program, and same reply arrived (unable to lock admin directory - are you root?).

I guess we can call this one a night, Im2. I do appreciate your tenacity. I WILL get this screen rotated, and in the meantime, I'll read as much as I can at this site.

damn. we'll get this tomorrow. not sure what i'm forgetting.

no worries tho. i knew nothing in jan 08, and the good people here learned me all i knoe.

Thx - I'll check in tomorrow and try to 'learn me' a few things in the meantime.

ok. open xterm. type "root". hit enter. then type: apt-get install wget

what happens?

well, a whole lot that appears to have installed a program and now asks to install without authentication. shud i proceed? i think we're on to something.