If you have the time please point me to a Good download mirror for Mepis6. I'm having better luck with Mandriva 2006. I can log on OK. The correct screen resolution 1280x1028 was detected immediately. Still trying to install Firefox. If I designed Linux on the desktop there would be a few important instructions. How to download and install programs. Adjusting screen resolution. Making sure your modem or LAN can connect. These three have plagued me thru the years when trying Linux. Today I have two licked. Resolution and connecting to internet.
http://www.mepis.org/node/1462
There's a list here of all the download mirrors. Remember, 6.0 is beta software, but from all indications it is very stable and runs really well. If you want to try a more stable version, the last release was 3.4.3, I think. But, you should be okay with 6. I'm planning on upgrading myself in a few days, when I get the time.
BTW, Mandriva uses RPM for software installation, and since I'm more familiar with Debian, I've pinged N3WBI3 to see if he can help you get downloading and installation of programs going.
I found this:
"RPM (Red Hat Package Manager) is a file format used by Mandriva to install software. These files are also called "packages". To install software, just search and install it using the graphical tool provided with Mandriva, called rpmdrake - found in Mandriva Control Center as "install software", or System / Configuration / Packaging / Install Software on the system menu. You can also browse the web, download the RPM and double-click on it. It is not recommended to use an RPM package unless it is listed as being compatible with the exact version of Mandriva you use (do not use packages designed for other Linux distributions, or for a different version of Mandriva).
Some RPMs need other ones. These are referred to as dependencies. Mandriva has improved the RPM system in order to automatically install all needed dependencies if you use the recommended tools (rpmdrake or urpmi). "
http://club.mandriva.com/xwiki/bin/KB/Newbies#What+is+a+RPM%3F