5.20. Configuring X, the Graphical Server

Note

This step is generally ignored for Recommended mode.

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 Mandrake Linux rely. In this section, DrakX will try to configure X automatically.

It is extremely rare for it to fail, unless 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.

If you are doing an Expert install, you will enter the X configuration wizard. See the corresponding section of the manual for more information about this wizard.

If you can see the message and answer Yes, then DrakX will proceed to the 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.

The first time you try the X configuration, you may not be very satisfied with its display (screen is too small, shifted left or right...). Hence, even if X starts up correctly, DrakX then asks you if the configuration suits you. It will also 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 whether you want to see the graphical interface at boot. Note this question will be asked even if you chose not to test the configuration. Obviously, you want to answer No if your machine is to act as a server, or if you were not successful in getting the display configured.


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