Controlling the Graphical Configuration

Abstract

This set of tools allows you to configure your graphical display. With it you will be able to change your video card, your resolution and your monitor. It can be useful if you happen to change one of your graphical components after the initial installation.

[Tip]Tip

If you cannot boot into graphical mode and you end up in a console (command-line interface), log in as root and launch the XFdrake command. You will get the same tool and functions as described in this section but in text mode.

The graphical XFdrake configuration tool is accessible through three different icons in the Mandrakelinux Control Center Hardware section:

This tool allows you to change the monitor type currently in use. See Figure 2.3, “Choosing a New Monitor”.

 

 

 

This tool allows you to change the current screen resolution. See Figure 2.4, “Changing your Screen's Resolution”.

 

 

 

This icon opens the full configuration tool that allows you to change above parameters and more. We will detail this interface below.

 

 

 

 

XFdrake contains 3 main configuration buttons as well as Test and Options buttons. Let's look at the interface.

Figure 2.2. XFdrake's Main Window

XFdrake's Main Window

The first three buttons allow you to change certain aspects of the graphical configuration:

Graphic Card

The button displays the name of the graphic card currently configured. If you wish to change it, just click on it. Depending on your card, different servers may be available, with or without 3D acceleration. You may need to try different ones until you get the best result.

In case you cannot find the graphical card you have, but you know the driver that supports it, select it from the Xorg entry, at the bottom.

Monitor

Click on this button if you wish to change your current monitor. A window will pop up listing many monitor models. Choose the appropriate one. If you do not find your monitor, choose one with parameters corresponding to your own monitor from the Generic entry, at the bottom.

Figure 2.3. Choosing a New Monitor

Choosing a New Monitor
Resolution

Enables you to change the pixel resolution (800x600, 1024x768, etc.) and the color depth. Simply choose the one you wish to use. The monitor in the window displays what the desktop will look like with the chosen configuration. If it looks good, click on the OK button.

Figure 2.4. Changing your Screen's Resolution

Changing your Screen's Resolution

Then, there are three more buttons:

The changes will be activated after you quit and restart your graphical environment.