1. Introduction
1.1 The X Window System
1.2 What is covered in this Documentation ?
2. XFree86
2.1 System Requirements
2.2 Installing XFree86
2.2.1 The X Server
2.2.2 Selecting your server
2.3 Configuring XFree86
2.3.1 Select your video card
2.3.2 Select Monitor
2.3.3 Select Video Memory
2.3.4 Clockchip Setting
2.3.5 Video Modes
 
3. Metro X
3.1 System Requirements
3.1.1 Graphics Card
3.1.2 Mouse
3.2 Installing Metro X
3.3 Configuring Metro X
3.3.1 Start-up
3.3.2 Special Keys
3.3.3 Online Help
3.3.4 Mouse configuration
3.3.5 Keyboard configuration
3.3.6 Monitor configuration
3.3.7 Screen Saver
3.3.8 Graphics Card Configuration
3.3.9 Colors
3.3.10 Virtual Resolution
3.3.11 Physical Resolution
3.3.12 Multiple-Screen Configuration
3.3.13 Adding a Screen
3.3.14 Deleting a Screen
3.3.15 Screen Layout
3.3.16 Font Path
3.3.17 Timing Editor
3.3.18 Save and Exit
3.3.19 Quit Without Saving
 
4. Running X-Windows

5. References

6. Summary

---

1.1 The X-Window System

The X Window System is a large and powerful (and somewhat complex) graphics environment for UNIX systems. The original X Window System code was developed at MIT; commercial vendors have since made X the industry standard for UNIX platforms. Virtually every UNIX workstation in the world runs some variant of the X Window system.

A free port of the MIT X Window System version 11, release 6 (X11R6) for 80386/80486/Pentium UNIX systems has been developed by a team of programmers originally headed by David Wexelblat. The release, known as XFree86, is available for System V/386, 386BSD, and other x86 UNIX implementations, including Linux. It includes all of the required binaries, support files, libraries, and tools.

1.2 What is covered in this Documentation ?

The aimed of this documentation is to introduce to novice Linux's users, 2 common methods of installing X-Windows ( XFree86 and Metro-X ). The document covers the hardware requirements to install X-Windows as well as a step-by-step description of how to install and configure XFree86 and Metro-X for Linux.

2. XFree86
 

2.1 System Requirements

    XFree86 does not support all video chipsets and sometimes you might have detailed information of your video card.

    You can also determine your video card chipset by running the SuperProbe program included with the XFree86 distribution. This is covered in more detail below.

As of XFree86 version 3.3 the following SVGA chipsets are supported.

• Tseng ET3000, ET4000AX, ET4000/W32, ET6000
• Western Digital/Paradise PVGA1
• Western Digital WD90C00, WD90C10, WD90C11, WD90C24, WD90C30, WD90C31, WD90C33
• Genoa GVGA
• Trident TVGA8800CS, TVGA8900B, TVGA8900C, TVGA8900CL, TVGA9000, TVGA9000i, TVGA9100B, TVGA9200CX, TVGA9320, TVGA9400CX, TVGA9420, TGUI9420DGi, TGUI9430DGi, TGUI9440AGi, TGUI9660XGi, TGUI9680
• ATI 18800, 18800-1, 28800-2, 28800-4, 28800-5, 28800-6, 68800-3, 68800-6, 68800AX, 68800LX, 88800GX-C, 88800GX-D, 88800GX-E, 88800GX-F, 88800CX, 264CT, 264ET, 264VT, 264VT2, 264GT
• NCR 77C22, 77C22E, 77C22E+
• Cirrus Logic CLGD5420, CLGD5422, CLGD5424, CLGD5426, CLGD5428, CLGD5429, CLGD5430, CLGD5434, CLGD5436, CLGD5440, CLGD5446, CLGD5462, CLGD5464, CLGD6205, CLGD6215, CLGD6225, CLGD6235, CLGD6410, CLGD6412, CLGD6420, CLGD6440
• OAK OTI067, OTI077, OTI087
• Avance Logic ALG2101, ALG2228, ALG2301, ALG2302, ALG2308, ALG2401
• Chips & Technologies 65520, 65530, 65540, 65545, 65520, 65530, 65540, 65545, 65546, 65548, 65550, 65554
• MX MX68000, MX680010
• Video 7/Headland Technologies HT216-32
• SiS 86C201, 86C202, 86C205
• ARK Logic ARK1000PV, ARK1000VL, ARK2000PV, ARK2000MT
• RealTek RTG3106
• Alliance AP6422
• Matrox MGA2064W and Mystique cards
• NVidia/SGS Thomson NV1, STG2000

• 8514/A (and true clones)
• ATI Mach8, Mach32, Mach64
• Cirrus CLGD5420, CLGD5422, CLGD5424, CLGD5426, CLGD5428, CLGD5429, CLGD5430, CLGD5434, CLGD5436, CLGD5440, CGLD5446, CLGD5462, CLGD5464.
• S3 86C911, 86C924, 86C801, 86C805, 86C805i, 86C928, 86C864, 6C964, 86C732, 86C764, 86C765, 86C868, 86C968, 86C325, 86C988
• Western Digital WD90C31, WD90C33, WD90C24A
• Weitek P9000
• IIT AGX-014, AGX-015, AGX-016
• IBM XGA-2
• Tseng ET4000/W32, ET4000/W32i, ET4000/W32p, ET6000
• Ark Logic ARK1000PV, ARK1000VL, ARK2000PV, ARK2000MT
• MGA2064W

All of the above are supported in both 256 color and monochrome modes, with the exception of the Avance Logic, MX and Video 7 chipsets, which are only supported in 256 color mode. If your video card has enough DRAM installed, many of the above chipsets are supported in 16 and 32 bits-per-pixel mode (specifically, some Mach32, P9000, S3 and Cirrus boards). The usual configuration is 8 bits per pixel (that is, 256 colors).

The monochrome server also supports generic VGA cards, the Hercules monochrome card, the Hyundai HGC1280, Sigma LaserView, and Apollo monochrome cards. On the Compaq AVGA, only 64k of video memory is supported for the monochrome server, and the GVGA has not been tested with more than 64k.

This list will undoubtedly expand as time passes. The release notes for the current version of XFree86 should contain the complete list of supported video chipsets.

For optimal performance, we suggest using an accelerated card, such as an S3-chipset card.
Benchmark ratings comparisons for various video cards under XFree86 are posted routinely to the USENET newsgroups: -

• comp.windows.x.i386unix
• comp.os.linux.x

2.2 Installing XFree86

2.2.1 The X Server

Provided you selected the proper video card at install time, you should have the proper X server installed. When later running Xconfigurator or xf86config, you need to make sure you select the same video card or the autoprobe will fail.
 

2.2.2 Selecting your Server

If you are unsure what chip-set you have, the best way to find out is usually to look at the card. Table 1 lists which chip-sets and boards require which servers. Pick the one that best matches your hardware.
   

The following files are found under Linux 5.0 CDROM ../RedHat/RPMS
 

XFree86-100dpi-fonts-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm
XFree86-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm
XFree86-75dpi-fonts-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm
XFree86-8514-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm
XFree86-AGX-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm
XFree86-I128-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm
XFree86-Mach32-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm
XFree86-Mach64-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm
XFree86-Mach8-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm
XFree86-Mono-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm
XFree86-P9000-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm
XFree86-S3-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm
XFree86-S3V-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm
XFree86-SVGA-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm
XFree86-VGA16-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm
XFree86-W32-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm
XFree86-devel-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm
XFree86-libs-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm

1. cd /mnt/cdrom/RedHat/RPMS
2. rpm -ivh XFree86-S3-3.3.1-14.i386.rpm
3. ln -sf ../../usr/X11R6/bin/XF86_S3 /etc/X11/X

2.3 Configuring XFree86

X Window Configuration with XFree86
There are four methods for configuring XFree86 on your machine:

 

Xconfigurator	Full-screen menu driven program that walks you through setting up your X server.
XF86Setup	Graphical setup program distributed with XFree86, which requires the VGA 16-color server in order to run.
xf86config	Line oriented program distributed with XFree86. It isn't as easy to use as Xconfigurator, but it is included for completeness.
by hand	If the above utilities failed to provide a working XF86config file, you may have an unsupported card or you may need to write the config file by hand.

 

http://www.xfree86.org

Configure X-Windows with Xconfigurator

2.3.1 Select your video card

Scroll down the list of supported cards until you locate the card in your machine. Section may help you determine the video server that matches your hardware. If your card is not listed, XFree86 may not support it. In this case you can try the last card entry on the list (Unlisted Card) or a commercial X Windows server, such as Metro-X.
 

2.3.2 Select Monitor

If your monitor is not listed you can select one of the generic monitor entries or "Custom" and enter your own parameters.
 

Custom monitor configuration is recommended only for those who have a sound understanding of the inner workings of CRT displays. When selected, Xconfigurator prompts you to select the horizontal sync range and vertical sync range of your monitor (these values are generally available in the documentation, which accompanies your monitor or from your monitor's vendor or manufacturer).
 

2.3.3 Select Video Memory

Move the highlight to the appropriate list entry and then press [Enter] or [F12] to continue.
 

2.3.4 Clockchip Setting

It is recommended that you select the default (No Clockchip Setting) entry, but experienced users may want to select a specific clockchip.

XFree86 can automatically detect the proper clockchip in most cases.

2.3.5 Video Modes

Xconfigurator prompts you to select the video modes you wish to use; select one or more modes by pressing [Space]. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor up and down the list under each color depth (8, 16 and 24 bit). Use the [Spacebar] to select individual resolutions and the [Tab] key to move between color depth fields. When you have selected the video modes you want to use move the cursor to the ``OK'' button and press [Enter], or use the [F12] shortcut. An information screen will give you the most current information on selecting video modes, starting and stopping the X server.

Xconfigurator then writes a configuration file containing all of your choices to /etc/X11/XF86Config.

If later you want to increase your refresh rate for your monitor, you can edit the config file by hand or you can run Xconfigurator again and pick a monitor from our list that more closely matches the specs of your monitor.

    After configurating your XFree86, you may run your X-Windows.

3. Metro X

Metro-X is commercially licensed software. You should review and accept its license terms before installing it. Metro-X supports many video cards that are not supported by XFree86. For more information on Metro-X, refer to http://www.metrolink.com .
 

3.1.1 Graphics Card

When you select Graphics Card from the configuration menu, a list of supported cards will be displayed. Select your video card as above. After selecting your video card you will be asked to select a video mode from a list of defaults. The resolution used is a matter of personal preference. The smaller the numbers are the larger the items on the display will be. Some combinations of video cards and video modes support virtual screens larger than the physical display. If your combination is one of these, you will be asked to select the virtual screen size.
 

3.1.2 Mouse

Configuring your mouse with Metro-X requires that you know what type of mouse you have and how it is connected to your computer. When you select a mouse type, the default device will be provided in the configuration window. If you are in doubt, accept the default and make adjustments later if needed.
 

3.2 Installing Metro X
 
 

*** Under Construction ***

3.3 Configuring Metro X

Metro-X can be configured for your system through a graphical utility called ConfigX, which is used to specify the mouse, keyboard, monitor, graphics card, color depth, and screen resolution(s) you are using.
 

3.3.1 Start-up

1. Login as root and type the following command: /usr/bin/X11/configX
2. The explanation of special keys appears. (This message only appears prior to the initial configuration of Metro-X, when no Xconfig file exists.)
3. Press [Enter] to continue.

3.3.2 Special Keys

When Metro-X is first installed, it doesn't yet recognize your mouse. Special keys must be used to move around the screens and make your selections during the initial configuration process.
 

 

The first time you run configX, you get the greeting and instruction screen shown above.

3.3.3 Online Help

Online help is a new feature of configX which assists you in the configuration process without having to refer to a manual. You can look up help by topic, or use the context-sensitive option to bring up information about the item on which you click.

 
3.3.4 Mouse configuration

If the default mouse is not correct for your system:

1. Press [\downarrow] to display the list of mice.
2. 2. Press [\uparrow] or [\downarrow] to scroll to your mouse entry, then press [Enter] to select it.
3. Press [Tab] to move to the next field.
4. Press [\downarrow] to display the list of mouse buttons. (The default entry is based on your mouse selection, and is usually the appropriate choice.)
5. Press [\uparrow] or [\downarrow] to scroll to your button entry, then press [Enter] to select it.
6. Press [Tab] to move to the next field.
7. If you need to change the path for your mouse device, edit it here.
8. Press [Tab] to move to the next field.

3.3.5 Keyboard configuration

Metro-X includes international keyboard support, which allows you to select the keyboard appropriate for your language and country.

1. The initial keyboard setting is Default: Default Console Mapping, which will work with most keyboards.
2. Press [\downarrow] to display the list of keyboards.
3. Press [\uparrow] or [\downarrow] to scroll to your keyboard entry, then press [Enter] to select it.
4. Press [Tab] to move to the next field.

3.3.6 Monitor configuration

The default monitor setting is Generic 640x480 @ 60Hz 13 inch.

1. Press [\downarrow] to display the list of monitors.
2. Press [\uparrow] or [\downarrow] to scroll to your monitor entry, then press [Enter] to select it.
3. Press [Tab] to move to the next field.
4. If you need to change the screen width (mm), edit it here.
5. Press [Tab] to move to the next field.
6. If you need to change the screen height (mm), edit it here.
7. Press [Tab] to move to the next field.

3.3.7 Screen Saver

Some graphics cards and monitors support the Display Power Management System (DPMS), which minimizes the power used by the monitor when user input ceases. If your hardware has this feature, the phases of DPMS can be controlled in this section.

The typical DPMS setup has a cascade effect, with the various phases being activated in succession with your choice of delay times between each.

 

X Screen Saver	Preliminary phase to DPMS, which blanks the screen but provides no power reduction.
Standby Mode	First phase of DPMS, which provides moderate power reduction by disabling the horizontal sync signal to the monitor.
Suspend Mode	Second phase of DPMS, which provides significant power reduction by disabling the vertical sync signal to the monitor.
Monitor Off	Final phase of DPMS, which provides maximum power reduction by disabling both the horizontal and vertical sync signals to the monitor.

 

1. In the X Screen Saver Delay field, press [Enter] to toggle this option on or off.
2. If toggled on, press [Tab] to move to the Minutes field, then use [<-] or [->] to set the value.
3. Press [Tab] to move to the next field.
4. In the Standby Mode Delay field, press [Enter] to toggle this option on or off.
5. If toggled on, press [Tab] to move to the Minutes field, then use [<-] or [->] to set the value.
6. Press [Tab] to move to the next field.
7. In the Suspend Mode Delay field, press [Enter] to toggle this option on or off.
8. If toggled on, press [Tab] to move to the Minutes field, then use [<-] or [->] to set the value.
9. Press [Tab] to move to the next field.
10. In the Monitor Off Delay field, press [Enter] to toggle this option on or off.
11. If toggled on, press [Tab] to move to the Minutes field, then use [<-] or [->] to set the value.

3.3.8 Graphics Card Configuration

Press [Page Down] to move to the second configuration screen, which controls the graphics card, the number of colors, the virtual resolution, and the physical resolution.

Each graphics card configuration consists of five elements:

• The graphics card (make and model).
• The number of colors supported on screen simultaneously (color depth).
• The virtual resolution of the screen (width x height).
• The physical resolution of the screen (width x height).
• The screen refresh rate (Hz).

1. The default graphics card setting is IBM VGA.
2. Press [\downarrow] to display the list of graphics cards.
3. Press [\uparrow] or [\downarrow] to scroll to your graphics card entry, then press [Enter] to select it.
4. Press [Tab] to move to the next field.

3.3.9 Colors

Not all graphics cards can support all color depths (number of colors). Only the options for the color depths supported by your card will be sensitive in this field. The other options will be grayed out.

Only one color option can be selected (due to design limitations of X).

In some cases the color options available will be limited by the physical resolution(s) you choose, based on the capabilities of your graphics card. Not all color depths are available at high resolutions.

1. The default setting is at the lowest value for your card.
2. Decide which available color setting you want to use.
3. Press [Tab] to move to that color setting, then press [Enter] to select it. (The previous setting will be canceled.)
4. Press [Tab] to move to the next field.

3.3.10 Virtual Resolution

The Virtual Resolution setting allows you to have an on-screen work area that is actually larger than your physical screen.

Windows can extend beyond the screen's physical boundaries and are viewed by scrolling into the extended areas. Only the options for the virtual resolutions supported by your card will be sensitive in this field. The other options will be grayed out. If you don't want to use this feature, select the Disabled option.

Only one virtual resolution can be selected. In some cases the virtual-resolution options available will be limited by the physical resolution(s) you choose, since the virtual resolution must always be greater than the highest physical resolution.

1.    The default setting for virtual resolution is Disabled.
2.    Decide which available virtual resolution you want to use.
3.    Press [Tab] to move to that setting, then press [Enter] to select it. (The previous setting will be canceled.)
4.    Press [Tab] to move to the next field.

3.3.11 Physical Resolution

Not all graphics cards and monitors can support all physical resolutions. Only the options for the resolutions supported by your hardware will be sensitive in this field. The other options will be grayed out.

Multiple physical resolutions can be selected. You can switch between these resolutions while running Metro-X by pressing a hot-key combination:
 

Press [Ctrl]-[Alt]-[+] to change to the next resolution.

Press [Ctrl]-[Alt]-[-] to change to the previous resolution.

In some cases the physical resolution(s) you choose may limit the selections you can make in Colors and Virtual Resolution, depending on the capabilities of your graphics card.

1. The default setting is at the lowest value for your card.
2. Decide which available resolution(s) you want to use.
3. Press [Tab] to move to the setting, then press [Enter] to select it.
4. Press [Tab] to move to the corresponding field to set the screen refresh rate (Hz) for that resolution, then use [<-] or [->] to select a value from the frequency options available. The default setting is the highest frequency your monitor supports, and is usually the appropriate choice.
5. Repeat this procedure for each physical resolution you want to set.

3.3.12 Multiple-Screen Configuration

Metro-X supports up to four screens which can all be controlled simultaneously with a single keyboard and mouse. This allows you to run many applications without overlapping windows, and is particularly useful for image-processing work. For each screen used, a separate configuration must be created for that screen's monitor and graphics card.

3.3.13 Adding a Screen

Metro-X defaults to a single-screen setup. The first screen configured is labeled Screen 0. When you add a second screen, all of its configuration default settings will duplicate the current settings of Screen 0. So if your hardware is the same on all screens, you can save time by configuring Screen 0 before adding the other screens. Similarly, as more screens are added, the settings of whichever one is currently active when you add another screen will determine the default settings of the new screen.

1. Press [Alt-S] to display the Screen pull-down menu.
2. Type A for Add.
3. The Monitor and Graphics Card icons for Screen 0 become outlines, and two full-color icons appear for Screen 1.
4. Refer to the procedures described earlier in this chapter if any changes need to be made to the new screen's configuration.
5. Use the [Page Down] and [Page Up] keys to move to the configuration pages of each screen.

3.3.14 Deleting a Screen

When a screen is deleted, all screens with higher screen numbers immediately drop down one slot. For instance: You currently have screens 0, 1, and 2 configured and you delete screen 1. That screen and all of its configuration information disappears.

Screen 2 then becomes screen 1, but retains its own configuration. You are left with screens 0 and 1.

1. Use the [Page Down] or [Page Up] key to activate the set of icons for the screen you want to delete.
2. Press [Alt-S] to display the Screen pull-down menu.
3. Type D for Delete.
4. One set of Monitor and Graphics Card icons disappears. Higher-numbered screens (if any) immediately fill the gap of the deleted screen.

3.3.15 Screen Layout

The Screen Layout window lets you specify how the multiple screens are arranged in your workspace so mouse movement from screen to screen will be appropriate.

1. Press [Alt-S] to display the Screen pull-down menu.
2. Type L for Layout.
3. The Screen Layout window appears.
4. Press [<-] and [->] to view the various layout combinations for your number of screens.
5. When the layout you want is displayed, press [Enter] to select it.

3.3.16 Font Path

If needed, you can edit your font path from within the Metro-X Configuration Utility. This will be necessary if you are using a font server instead of or in addition to your existing fonts.

1. Press [Alt-C] to display the Configuration pull-down menu, then press [Enter].
2. The Font Path window appears.
3. Edit the file as necessary for your system. Metro-X looks for fonts in the order in which the directories are listed in this file. If you are using a font server, enter this as the first line:

    tcp/<fontserver machine>:7000

If your port number is not the default 7000, change it to the appropriate port number for your system.

4. Press [Tab] to move to and amongst the bottom buttons, then press [Enter] to select one. If the information is correct, select the OK button. If you want to disregard the changes you've made, select the Cancel button. If you've edited your font path and want to go back to the original settings, select the Load Defaults button.

  

3.3.17 Timing Editor

3.3.18 Save and Exit

1. Press [Alt-F] to display the File pull-down menu.
2. Type S for Save and Exit.
3. Your changes are saved, the Metro-X Configuration Utility closes, and your system is now ready to run Metro-X!

3.3.19 Quit Without Saving

1. Press [Alt-F] to display the File pull-down menu.
2. Type Q for Quit.
3. A precautionary dialog box appears: Save current configuration before exiting?
4. Press [Tab] to move to the No button, then press [Enter] to confirm that you want to exit the Metro-X Configuration Utility without saving your changes.

    After configurating Metro-X, you may starts running your X-windows.

4. Running X-Windows

With your XF86Config file configured, you're ready to fire up the X server and give it a spin. First, be sure that /usr/X11R6/bin is on your path.

The command to start up X-Windows is

startx

This command will start the X server and run the commands found in the file .xinitrc in your home directory. .xinitrc is just a shell script containing X clients to run. If this file does not exist, the system default /usr/X11R6/lib/X11/xinit/xinitrc will be used.

A standard .xinitrc file looks like this:

#!/bin/sh

xterm -fn 7x13bold -geometry 80x32+10+50 &
xterm -fn 9x15bold -geometry 80x34+30-10 &
oclock -geometry 70x70-7+7 &
xsetroot -solid midnightblue &

exec twm

Be sure that the last command in .xinitrc is started with exec, and that it is not placed into the background (no ampersand on the end of the line). Otherwise the X server will shut down as soon as it has started the clients in the .xinitrc file.

Alternately, you can exit X by pressing [Ctrl]-[Alt]-[Backspace] in combination. This will kill the X server directly, exiting the window system.

If you are new to the X Window System environment, we strongly suggest picking up a book such as The X Window System: A User's Guide. See the man pages for xterm, oclock, and twm for clues on getting started.

5. References

1. Redhat 5.0 installation guide
2. http://www.metrolink.com
3. http://www.XFree86.org
4. http://sunsite.unc.edu/LDP/HOWTO/XFree86-HOWTO.html

 

Frankly speaking, although the Linux's Installation Guide recommended Metro-X as it is a commercial software and supposed to be less problematic in terms of hardware compatibility, but personally felt that Metro-X is not as robust as what it claims to be. There is much less support and documentation on Metro-X than the more established XFree86. Moreover, XFree86 is more stable in terms video configuration.
 
 

*** The End ***