to select the default /dev/mouse. Make a link to /dev/mouse? Yes
. XKeyboard? Yes. For the keyboard I choose a Standard 101-key. Enable
bindings? Yes.
Next is the section about hsync in kHz. Even though your monitor might be
able to do 1024x768, Linux might complain... possibly a reason why "startx"
fails. Don't worry about it. For now you can try something more
conservative, like XF86_VGA16 server. Even though you only get 16
colors, at least you 'get your foot in the door' as far as X-Windows is
concerned. On the other hand, I have gotten good results by choosing the
last one "Enter your own horizontal sync range". So I type 30-35 (do not
type "kHz"). Next is the vertical synchronization rate. I choose the last one:
"Enter your own vertical sync range" so I type 43-90 (no spaces). (Please
note that you should NEVER enter something beyond what your monitor
can do.)
This is how I answer the next section:
Monitor definition: Impression IM1428SV
Vendor name: Impression
Model name: IM1428SV
Next it asks "Do you want to look at the card database?" Yes. I find my card
happens to be #577 on the list (Trident TGUI9680). Be sure to get the
EXACT right one... don't choose something that is close. I actually purchased
a new video card for Linux because I knew it was on the list. Then it shows the
one you selected and the server (Remember this server name.) and it says "Do NOT
probe clocks or use any Clock line."
Next is the dreaded XF86 server. Here is where different choices may or
may not work -depending on the phase of the moon. I usually choose the
last one "Choose the server from the card definition, XF86_(whatever). This
is the best choice, however, if you experience problems you can try
something a bit more conservative like XF86_VGA16. Even though you
only get 16 colors, it's enough to get X to work. You can change it later .
Next it asks "Do you want to set a symbolic link?" Yes!
Next is the video memory. I choose the last one "Other" and type 8192.
Now this next section is kind of lame:
Video card definition: Trident TGUI9680
Vendor: Trident
Model (board): TGUI9680 (DUH!?)
Next, I do NOT want a Clockchip setting and I do NOT want it to run 'X
-probeonly'. (Some video cards need clocks.) The next section is where you
can change the modes (for your monitor) .
Some people select "The modes are are OK", But I prefer to go thru each
one. I start with "1 Change the modes for 8bpp" and then somthing like
"432". Then it asks if you want a virtual screen.
This means a huge screen that is way bigger than what you see on the
monitor. I like to have the virtual screen that is just a little bit bigger than
the
monitor... that way I can reach buttons at the bottom of the screen like
"Apply" and "OK". To To do this you must edit the /etc/X11/XF86Config
file. (I'll talk about editing later). Keep going thru this until you are satisfied
with the settings. Choose the last one "The modes are OK, continue". Finally
it asks "Shall I write it to /etc/X11/XF86Config?" Yes.
Do not type "startx" just yet. You should at least look at the file by
typing:
cd /etc
ls | more
Now look for XF86Config. If you don't see it, type:
cd /etc/X11
ls | more
There you should see the XF86Config file. Now type:
more XF86Config (to quit, type "q")
and use the space bar to go down each page. You will find a section that
says something like "Virtual 1600 1280". This is just too big of a screen fo
r me. I always edit this line with the vi editor so that the two numbers are
just a little bit bigger than my resolution. If you have 800x600, you can set
virtual to, say, 875 675 and see how you like it. The reason I like the vi
editor is it exists on all UNIX and Linux systems. It's not so hard once you
get used to it. I type: vi /etc/X11/XF86Config "j" goes down, "k" goes up,
and "h" and "l" go from side to side. To actually insert text, hit "i" and to
get
back out of the text insert mode, hit <esc>.
To exit and save changes type:
<esc> :wq!
To exit without saving changes type:
:q!
Now try starting X with the command startx. Don't worry if it fails. Read
the error message and carefully go over your settings.
<guitarman>
