[plug] Linux beginner question - Xfree86

[Matt Kemner]

On Fri, 7 Aug 1998, Mark Wagenaar wrote:

> I have just configured a pentium to run Linux 4.1.2

You mean RedHat 4.1.2? Linux is "only" up to 2.1.115 :)

> The X server seems to have magically set a virtual screen of 1024x768.

The clue is in your /etc/X11/XF86Config file, in Section "Screen",
Subsection "Display" - you will see a line that says something like 
	Modes	"1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
and a line that says
	Virtual	1024 768

Which tells the X server you want a virtual screen of 1024x768 - so change
that value to the size you want (ie the resolution you normally run your X
server at)
The reason the virtual window is given, is most likely because (I assume)
your X server is configured to run at 1024x768 if it can, and if not, step
down to 800x600, then 640x480 - and you can switch between modes at any
time with control-alt-+ and control-alt--
The X server sets the virtual screen to the largest possible size you can
run, so when you change to that resolution your "root window" fills all of
the screen, not 3/4 of it.

If you still have problems, mail me your XF86Config and I'll work out what
it's trying to do. :)

> I am running SVGA server with a 1mb Cirrus Logic card.

With the Cirrus, if it's an ISA card and you want to be able to run 16 bit
colour (or higher) you have to specify 
	Option	"Linear"
in Section "Device" for your card.
To run 16 bit colour you run "startx -- -bpp 16" instead of "startx"

> Help for Linux beginners is very much appreciated.

That's what we're here for. :)

 - Matt