Very Computer

To x perts:

I've posted about this before, as have several other people.  I've read
HOWTO's, and FAQ's, and I've tried many things, but can't get what I would
like.
Here is what I want:  I would like to start at 1024x768, 16 bits, by
default, without hitting cntrl-alt+
I've read much on this, ran xf86configurator, edited XF86config file several
times, all to no avail.

Here is what I was told, and what I've done:
1. ran xf86config. program, gave proper monitor info, using svga server on a
Matrox Millennium G200.
2.  I reordered the resolutions, so Modes says "1024x768  800x600 1240x1024"
so 1024x768 is first.
I reordered the Display modes, so 16 bits per pixel is also before the 8 bit
mode
I've entered Virtual 1024 768, so it doesn't use the largest 1200x1024 by
default, as people have said that would also happen
None of this has changed either resolutions nor bbp.

3.  I also read in a FAQ that sometimes, the Modelines of the monitor
section must be reordered.
 I placed the Modeline for 1024x768 at 85 mhz etc first in the list of
modelines.

Still no luck.

Now:  Does ANYONE   know:
1. Exactly what determines the whether x runs in 8 16 bbp, or what
resolution?

2.  I read you can run xdm or startx with -bpp 16 to use that color depth.
Now, the Red Hat 6. installation asked me if I wanted to start   X
immediately upon booting, I answered "Yes".  Consequently, I don't know
where (if anywhere)  xdm or startx called from.  If I knew that, and edited
the script to  "xdm -bbp16," wouldthat would work?  But I can't find where
xdm (or is it startx) is called.  Was this call done (compiled in the
kernel) or something (forgive me if I sound stupid, but I'm new to linux and
I don't the details of the boot process), or is it called from an init
script  (initx ??)

3.  Finally, I have XF86config in TWO places:  as  /etc/XF86config, and also
in /etc/X11/XF86config.  There are also XF86config~ files in both places --
I thought they were backups, but I don't know for sure.      WHICH    is
being used for configuration?
There are also these files in the usr directories, and I assume they are
defaut copies for individual users but which could be modified indiviually
to get the config they want.

I  could live with x as it is, but the reason one uses linux is so you can
configure it exactly the way you want.  Right now, my linux is behaving like
Windoze in safe mode.

If anyone can help me with this, I'd very much appreciate it.

Thanks

Nick

Hi!

  I'm not an "X pert" but I'll tell you what I know.

  About the virtual res:  I use resolutions of 1024x768, 800x600 and
640x480 with a virtual resolution of 1024x768.  I never managed to get
it to work with a virtual resolution which was smaller than my largest
resolution (i.e. 1024x768).  Try temporarily removing the "1240x1024"
from the available Modes line to see if that's the problem.

Quote:> Now:  Does ANYONE   know:
> 1. Exactly what determines the whether x runs in 8 16 bbp, or what
> resolution?

  I think you can add a line, something like :

   DefaultColorDepth 16

in the appropriate Screen section of /etc/X11/XF86Config.

  You could also, from the console, use 'startx -- -bpp 16' (the dashes
are important) but, as this gets annoying you can add these lines to
/etc/bashrc:

alias startx16='startx -- -bpp 16'
alias startx24='startx -- -bpp 24'
alias startx32='startx -- -bpp 32'

  and just type 'startx16' or whatever.

Quote:> 2.  I read you can run xdm or startx with -bpp 16 to use that color depth.
> Now, the Red Hat 6. installation asked me if I wanted to start   X
> immediately upon booting, I answered "Yes".

  I really don't know much about xdm.  However, you may want to look at
the configuration files in /etc/X11/xdm and maybe the manpages for xdm
and xsm.

  If you wish to boot into console mode instead of X, try changing the
line:

 id:5:initdefault:
to
 id:3:initdefault:

in the /etc/inittab file.

Quote:> 3.  Finally, I have XF86config in TWO places:  as  /etc/XF86config, and also
> in /etc/X11/XF86config.

  My system uses /etc/X11/XF86Config or /usr/X11R6/lib/X11/XF86Config/
(which is just an ln -s to /etc/X11/XF86Config).

Hope this helps
CZ

af to say it ...  great answer.