Re: For First-Time Users of X-Server

[Kenny Hitt <kennyhitt knology net>]

Hi.  While trying to get X working on my systems, I read several docs
and howtos.  I don't remember where I read it, but here is what I think
is the reason.

When the system first boots, a getty process is started for every
text console.  Because the getty process already owns the console, the x
server can't use it.  As a general rule, the x server will be on the
next available console.  Also, the fact the x server has control of that
console means problems with keyboard and display in that console are
problems with the x setup, not problems with the text console's setup.

          Kenny

On Tue, May 27, 2003 at 01:03:52AM -0500, John J. Boyer wrote:
> Kenny,
> 
> I read a howto on X window, but it never mentioned that X uses a different 
> tty that the one on which you type startx. Too obvious for a sighted 
> person to mention, maybe. The howto is on http://www.tldp.org .
> 
> John
>  On Tue, 27 
> May 2003, Kenny Hitt wrote:
> 
> > Hi.  I think basic setup of X is something best handled on a mailing
> > list for your distrro or a local linux list.  X is difficult to set up for
> > everyone.  Redhat and Mandrake are supposed to be the most user friendly
> > to set up.  Debian versions prior to Woody are probably some of the most
> > dificult.  Redhat uses auto detection to do most of the setup for you.
> > 
> > Debian versions starting with Sarge have added hardware detection
> > packages.  They are still not required packages for the xserver-xfree86
> > package.  This means dselect will install them when you select
> > x-windows, but apt-get won't.
> > I've always been a Debian user and I do have X working on my systems,
> > but I wouldn't claim to no a lot about configuring X.  About the best
> > advice I can give is:  the inter net and lspci can help you
> > find out the info you need for your hardware.
> > Also, I've had to use the mouse several times to return focus to
> > a window.  I think a mouse is an important part of an X setup.
> > 
> > Even if your distro configures your x-windows system, you should really
> > take the time to read about x-windows and how it works.  It will help
> > you understand a lot more about what is going on with gnome and gnopernicus.
> > 
> >           Kenny