glibc2.3

i upgraded python. now, the only way to control my seawolf is thru ssh, because
i have lost keyboard control. i get a login window (either kde, gnome,
whatever), mouse functions (if i don't use my omniview switcher), but *any*
keyboard input is...idiosyncratic, to say the least. any keystroke makes the
monitor blank out and change resolution: 640x480 -> key -> 800 x 600 -> key ->
1024 x 7xx, etc. so, i have to log in remotely (ssh). apparently, my x is toast.
i can't run xconfigurator because that results in a segmentation fault. is this
good usability, or what?

what i want to do, is shut down my xserver so i can upgrade xfree so i can
upgrade kde so i can use kde on cygwin so i don't have to deal with my omniview
malfunctioning everytime i switch back and forth between win2k and seawolf when
i want to do upgrades. i would like my server to just stay in console mode, but
then a bunch of services don't start! i think i understand how to fix that
though.

but i upgraded python to 2.2...so my lpd now (silly me for not anticipating
this!) suddenly has no printer specified, because it (presumably?) needs (now
that it sees i'm using python 2.2) glib2.3 (rather than 2.2, which is what i
have) and can't do printconf, or something needing widgets.

but glib2.3 won't install because...it needs binutils, a new gcc, and
linuxthreads, and thinks my kernel is 2.4.2, not 2.4.9! fun! i installed
binutils, new gcc, and let glibc go with 2.4.2, but linuxthreads won't
configure/make/make install without an advanced degree in exoskeletel
amniopsyrioasistology, and i thought i had them anyway?

1. will glib2.3 build on seawolf?
2. what version of linuxthreads? can't find a howto...
3. how do i specify my printer without a gui? it's an ethernet printer, and my
seawolf serves for it for my net.
4. if i remove my new python (i upgraded to help a friend compile a module...so
much for generosity), how can i convince my system that it doesn't need
glibc2.3?


:(

vora