Linux help - getting in the box to make changes ***SOLVED***

Ok here goes.. I am not really new I have been messing about with UNIX for years, but mostly on Solaris, and a few OpenBSD for their great firewall.
I have a Linux Mint system which I just tore down to use it as Xbmcbuntu media center.. After
a few bad tries do to AGP video cards.. I took my 8300 GS from a older windows box and installed it.. and got
up the GUI..
Now here's where the fun begins.. My network has about 10 computers on it and has fixed (class c) address (ie .. 192.168.1.x
with my gateway at 192.168.1.1). I had this problem with mint that you cant change the address in the GUI unless it thinks the cable is connected
and passing some sort of traffic.
-> If I could get to the console I could launch VI and edit /etc/network/interfaces

=> since when I plug in the cable that used to be the network connection for the old mint install, I know that the cable is ok and besides the lights come on the switch when the cable is pluged in.

==> I have never had this much frustration using Solaris, during the install it asks you what address you want to use.. why dose not Linux do the same? (wishful thinking)

===> when you go back to the logon screen and log on it goes right into the GUI



====> So please help me...

Am I right in thinking you now have XBMCBuntu installed on this system?

To switch to a console and configure press CTRL+ALT+F1 or F2 and so on for different terminal sessions. I think CTRL+ALT+F7 should take you back to the GUI.

thank you... It was a good try... CTRL+ALT+F1-6 gives you new dead sessions with no $ or # so it looks like they are not connected?
CTRL+ALT+F7 does take you back to the GUI

and yes I installed XBMCBuntu 11 latest download

You can get to the XBMCbuntu session by choosing the "Exit" option in XBMC. At the login screen, change the drop down box in the bottom-left corner from "XBMC" to "XBMCbuntu" and log in normally. Now you should be able to bring up a browser and a terminal at the same time.

The sessions from CTRL+ALT+F1 should have prompted you to log in. If you get a completely blank screen on those, you should restart and try again.

Thank you used the Exit option.. .now have a terminal session

have a beer on me...

Thanks
Cris