make.conf problem no such dir.

I installed linux last night and now when I log in it is a grey screen and I get 2 GUI interfaces. One is localhost.
What program is that. Also when following the instructions in the first post there was a reference by asong to add the portage with a website set flags... in the etc/make.conf. I am having problems using emerge feature probably because I didn't see that in the initial install. Anyways is there a way to edit these folders so I don't have to do a fresh install? Asong is there a way to copy and paste your make.conf folder or do I have to type all that in. If I have to type all of it is there a specific format?
Sorry but totally NooB when it comes to Linux

Note: I just tried botting up linux this morning and I am getting an error regarding an unsupported signal. Check output device?? I have HDMI cable and 1080i capable TV. How do I fix?