Difference between revisions of "X configuration"

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==Overview of contents==
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== Configuring X ==
  
The /etc/X11/XF86Config-4 file holds configuration information for the XF86 windowing system.  This includes information on the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and video card, as well as some special options for resolution, fancy graphics display, and multi-headed systems.  The file is broken up into sections such as <code>"InputDevice"</code> for mice and keyboards, <code>"Monitor"</code> for monitors, and just plain <code>"Device"</code> for video cards themselves.  The <code>"Screen"</code> section has meta information about combining all the pieces together correctly.
 
  
We are going to have to deal with this file most often because [[magix]] somehow fails to create it correctlyIn these situations, we need to make small tweaks to fix things.
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In most cases the default X install on freekboxen will just work, but in some cases it needs some tweakingOn Ubuntu systems, you can use "dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg" from a root terminal to reconfigure the X server, but there are also several easier methods depending on the exact distribution.
  
==How to edit the file==
 
  
Using [[nano]] or another command line editor as root, you open up the file:
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==Editing the configuration file==
  
nano -w /etc/X11/XF86Config-4
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The X-windows system configuration information was previously kept in text files in /etc/X11 in a file /etc/X11/xorg.conf. This file is now intentionally blank as X will auto-configure. Very occasionally, the normal methods of configuring X fail and we need to edit/create the file directly.
  
Then you'll need to look for what you have to change.  One common change is the video driver, for instance from <code>"nvidia"</code> to <code>"nv"</code> (closed source to open source drivers for nVidia cards).  Look through the file until you find the <code>"Device"</code> section, and change the value of the <code>Driver</code> line to match the correct driver.  Another common change is the default color depth, which is under the <code>"Screen"</code> section, on a line labeled <code>DefaultDepth</code>.
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'''Don't edit this file unless you REALLY know what you are doing.'''
  
Make your changes and save the file, then quit out of the editorAs root, you'll want to try to start X again, which you accomplish by:
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<del>This file includes information on the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and video card, as well as some special options for resolution, fancy graphics display, and multi-headed systemsThe file is broken up into sections such as <code>"InputDevice"</code> for mice and keyboards, <code>"Monitor"</code> for monitors, and just plain <code>"Device"</code> for video cards themselves.  The <code>"Screen"</code> section has meta information about combining all the pieces together correctly.</del>
  
/etc/init.d/kdm restart
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Since this is file is blank you need only add the relevant section. Do not blindly add others.
  
If this doesn't work again, check the log file:
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You will need to test your changes by running
  
  less /var/log/XFree86.0.log
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  startx
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or
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sudo /etc/init.d/gdm restart 
  
and try again.
 
  
For more information, type:
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If this doesn't work again, check the log file:
  
  man XF86Config-4
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or
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  less /var/log/Xorg.0.log
  
at the command line.
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and try again.
  
  
 
[[Category: Build]]
 
[[Category: Build]]
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[[Category:Tech support]]
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[[Category:Needs updating]]

Latest revision as of 16:57, 19 October 2013

Configuring X

In most cases the default X install on freekboxen will just work, but in some cases it needs some tweaking. On Ubuntu systems, you can use "dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg" from a root terminal to reconfigure the X server, but there are also several easier methods depending on the exact distribution.


Editing the configuration file

The X-windows system configuration information was previously kept in text files in /etc/X11 in a file /etc/X11/xorg.conf. This file is now intentionally blank as X will auto-configure. Very occasionally, the normal methods of configuring X fail and we need to edit/create the file directly.

Don't edit this file unless you REALLY know what you are doing.

This file includes information on the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and video card, as well as some special options for resolution, fancy graphics display, and multi-headed systems. The file is broken up into sections such as "InputDevice" for mice and keyboards, "Monitor" for monitors, and just plain "Device" for video cards themselves. The "Screen" section has meta information about combining all the pieces together correctly.

Since this is file is blank you need only add the relevant section. Do not blindly add others.

You will need to test your changes by running

startx

or

sudo /etc/init.d/gdm restart  


If this doesn't work again, check the log file:

or

less /var/log/Xorg.0.log

and try again.