Re:

lee <lee@imyourhandiman.com> writes:
>      I then typed in:
> ======================
> /usr/bin/pg_ctl -D /usr/local/pgsql/data -l logfile start
> which offered me:
> ============================
> pg_ctl: invalid operation mode: /usr/local/pgsql/data

pg_ctl wants the operation first and any options afterwards.  Try

/usr/bin/pg_ctl start -D /usr/local/pgsql/data -l logfile
        regards, tom lane