6.18. Configuring X, the graphical server

X (for X Window System) is the heart of the GNU/Linux graphical interface on which all the graphics environments (KDE, GNOME, AfterStep, WindowMaker...) bundled with Linux-Mandrake rely. In this section, DrakX will try to configure X automatically.

It is extremely rare for it to fail. The only reason for it doing so is if the hardware is very old (or very new). If it succeeds, it will start X automatically with the best resolution possible depending on the size of the monitor. A window will then appear and ask you if you can see it(figure 6-30).

If you are doing a Customized install, you will be asked for the resolution and color depth of your screen (figure 6-29).

Figure 6-29. Choose your resolution and color depth

Then you will be asked whether or not you want to test the configuration. If you wish to, answer Yes: you will then be asked if the settings are correct (figure 6-30).

Figure 6-30. X configuration test

If you can see the message and answer Yes, then DrakX will proceed to next step. If you cannot see the message, it simply means that the configuration was wrong and the test will automatically end after 10 seconds, restoring the screen.

It can happen that the first try isn't the best display (screen is too small, shifted left or right...). This is why, even if X starts up correctly, DrakX will then ask you if the configuration suits you and will propose to change it by displaying a list of valid modes it could find, asking you to select one.

As a last resort, if you still cannot get X to work, choose Change graphics card, select Unlisted card, and when prompted on which server you want, choose FBDev. This is a failsafe option which works with any modern graphics card. Then choose Test again to be sure.

Finally, you will be asked on whether you want to see the graphical interface at boot (figure 6-31). Note that you will be asked this even if you chose not to test the configuration. Obviously, you want to answer No if your machine will act as a server or if you were not successful in getting the display configured.

Figure 6-31. Graphical interface at boot?


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