I have been out to my son-in law, both of us Slackware users, to discuss this problem. He tells me that as Slackware users we have been spoilt as Slackware comes with its Gateway, Name Server, Host Name, Hosts Allow, Domain name etc., etc., all ready set up. I just edit the file to alter the computer and domain names, before doing xf86config. (My computer is a stand alone machine with a modem to connect, very, very slowly to the internet).
It would appear that its a problem with all, one or some of the above and I need to know the right answers when the installer asks me for decisions, it also explains the failure to get very far with its start up. I've been given some background reading homework and he advised me to ask what answers I might need.
As before all suggestions welcome for the next attempt to install!