Very Computer

hey again,

its me! (still diligently working on my linux box).

please help: is there a settings file for the startx command?

i want to set 16bpp and 1024x768 as my defaults, and am not sure
where/how to do this.

also, i would like to set xwindows up so it will run in 320x200 and
other modes for quake.

any help with these two issues is greatly appreciated!

p.s.-i could also use a good site to find info on how to get fvwm (or
any wm) working on my machine. before i do this, however, i need to get
my ppp connection up and running. if you wish to help me with this,
please find my other post subject: ppp help.

: please help: is there a settings file for the startx command?
: i want to set 16bpp and 1024x768 as my defaults, and am not sure
: where/how to do this.

NO. I tried to do this... 16 bit X is not done like that. You
need to fire up raw X in 16 bit mode, and leave the rest as-is.

I run 16 bit from Linux 1.2.13  (sometimes)  when I want really
pretty pictures, and am not worried about the speed (hint!)

What you first need to ascetain is if your video card can be run
in Linear addressing mode (memory mapped mode).  This is a must
if you want to run > 8 bit per pixel
        The keywords which need adding to /etc/XF86Config  Graphics
device section are:-

Option "linear"
and maybe Membase 0xe0000000   (this varies..>!)

Here's the whole thing for my Cirrus Logic card

Section "Device"
    Identifier  "hughscard"
    VendorName  "cirrus logic"
        Membase 0xe0000000
        chipset "clgd5436"
        Option "fast_dram"
        Option "linear"
        Option "fifo_conservative"
    BoardName   "5426"
    VideoRam    1024
    Clocks  25.23  28.32  41.16  36.08  31.50  39.99  45.08  49.87
    Clocks  64.98  72.16  75.00  80.01  85.23
EndSection

Get this going in 8-bit mode for a start.. your X initialization
information should now include "... Using Linear Framebuffer"

You may also notice a reduction in speed, as you can't at present use
all the acccelerated video options, like bit blits etc..
 (this may have changed).

You now need to create a file in your own home directory called
.xserverrc

Initially put a single line...
exec X -bpp 8

to test that it works.   Then, modify -bpp 16   (assuming you have
a valid 16 bit section in you /etc/XF86Config file!)

: also, i would like to set xwindows up so it will run in 320x200 and
: other modes for quake.

You need to add the desired mode in your XF86Config file....

Section "Screen"
    Driver      "svga"
    # Use Device "Generic VGA" for Standard VGA 320x200x256
    #Device      "Generic VGA"
    Device      "hughscard"
    Monitor     "emc"
    Subsection "Display"
        Depth       8
        # Omit the Modes line for the "Generic VGA" device
        Modes      "640x480" "1024x768i" "840x630"  "800x600" "480x300p" "900x620"
        # Use Virtual 320 200 for Generic VGA
        Virtual     1152 900
    EndSubsection
    Subsection "Display"
        Depth       16
        Modes       "840x624" "800x600" "640x480"
        ViewPort    0 0
        Virtual     840 624
    EndSubsection

EndSection

My 8-bit section fires up in 640x480 for that quake mode.  Ctrl_Alt_+
cycles through my selected modes

        Hope this helps,        Hugh Gibson.

:
:
: : please help: is there a settings file for the startx command?
: : i want to set 16bpp and 1024x768 as my defaults, and am not sure
: : where/how to do this.
:
[cut]
:
: You now need to create a file in your own home directory called
: .xserverrc
:
: Initially put a single line...
: exec X -bpp 8
[cut]

I just put:

serverargs="-bpp 24"

in my startx file.  Just another place you can put it.

Oh, and just make sure that 1024x768 is the first mode on the line if you
want the server to start up in that mode.