type :syntax on when you aren't in insert mode. (you can add that line (without the :) to your ~/.vimrc if you want it to be done automatically)

gasten

Hey man, I tried this (typing :syntax) and it gives me this error: *E319: Sorry, the command is not available in this version. * what gives? ------- -.- 1/f ))) --. ------- ... http://www.algomantra.com

I see. ubuntu do only ship the vim-tiny package. sudo apt-get install vim. or look in synaptic.

Not possible. I have tried many suggestions from the ubuntu users list for about three months now without any success. I cannot install anything using aptitude. There are some corrupted files in the dpkg folder which prevent any attempt to install anything. Moreover, any fine or clever tinkering has led to a bizarre and familiar spiral I am now nearly mortified of...it keeps coming back to the same thing. You know...like....a curse.... ((((suuuudoo....aptitude install aptitude.......))))))))) Short of a re-install of Gutsy (abandon ship?!!) I seem to have no other choice. ------- -.- 1/f ))) --. ------- ... http://www.algomantra.com

what files ? Maybe I could email mine (working) to you?

Yeah, thats one thing that could work. It has at least seemed to lead closer to a resolution. But the process is that I replace one corrupt file, and then it gives me the next round. So we cannot do it in one go. It's a slow process, and you'll have to be patient. I'm game... Gotta go see an old friend right now, I'll begin the debug tomorrow morning. Thanks, mate... ------- -.- 1/f ))) --. ------- ... http://www.algomantra.com

On Sat, Feb 23, 2008 at 5:55 PM, Thomas Friese wrote:

":syntax on" is the command not just ":syntax"

It gives the same error: *E319: Sorry, the command is not available in this version. * ------- -.- 1/f ))) --. ------- ... http://www.algomantra.com

That version of vim doesn't support syntax highlighting at all. No point in trying further. Really, it sounds like it's time to do a backup of your data and reinstall the OS. That would probably take you an afternoon and it sounds like you've spent a lot more time dealing with the symptoms. ;-)

I actually feel like laughing, because its more hopeless than you think, my friend :) The sound, the audio - of any device, wouldn't come on when I first installed Gutsy, including ChucK. I tried many things then which I don't remember now, for weeks. Nothing worked. One fine day, it just worked by itself, I don't even know how. This is like a fork, or a spork, where both paths lead to the same nowhere. (Okay, sorry about going off-topic, but.....damn. ) -- ------- -.- 1/f ))) --. ------- ... http://www.algomantra.com