Well, for one, if I don't know how to boot into text mode (and I've
spent some time searching the Internet and books without finding a
simple answer the question of how to do that), then I can't edit
anything. The default installation brings it up in xterminal, or
whatever its called. The default installation chose a video card and
monitor combination that renders the machine unusable.

For all the talk of Linux replacing Microsoft, I sure wouldn't
recommend this experience to my Mom. Judging from some of the
imperious responses to obvious first-use questions, one just is not
suppose to undertake Linux unless they're already an expert and can
fathom all the documentation. I see a lot of people being told to read
documentation... as if we're not trying to already. It's kind of a
condenscending bit of advice. --especially so if nobody gives you any
documentation to go with the install CD's.

Simple questions:

1) If the monitor setting is unusable in graphics mode, how do you
boot into text mode or into some generic monitor setting? In Windows,
you press F8. What does one do in Linux?

2) What monitor and card setting to use?

I'll be glad to check Internet resources you've provided, but how one
would do this on an initial install without Internet access...? There
must be a generic setting that would have been safer than the default?
Looking through the the information I've been able to find, I'm not
seeing how to interrupt the boot process to edit the monitor & video
settings.