many programs do not start

hi,

i downloaded the current knoppix on monday.
when i tried it yesterday, a lot of programs just tried to start up when required (symbol in taskbar was present), but then closed without doing anything.

however, e.g. open office, konqueror, system administration tools worked.

thanks for responses,
ulrich

ps: i am new to linux, but a very experienced user and software developer by profession.

additional question: i have a dual monitor system, but knoppix tells me that i seem to have only one monitor, and doesn't let me change anything about this...

what programs dont work? remember that not all programs are gui and may need to be invoked from the console.

i will bring a list of examples :)

but i am pretty sure that i tried to invoke GUI programs, e.g. KDevelop, some of the games,...

i have a bit of a problem my self with some games they go to start and then crash. some just wont start and dont give no error some do give errors. your best bet would be to invoke them (if there gui or not) from a shell so if there are any errors you will be able to see the errors in the shell and can report bugs.