Learning Red Hat Linux, Second Edition

Appendix D. Installing and Configuring X

Getting a proper X Window System up and running used to be a real challenge on Linux, almost a rite of passage. Today, device drivers are available for a much wider array of hardware, and configuration tools to assist in the setup process have greatly improved. While still tricky at times—especially with unusual hardware—X setup and configuration is no longer the daunting process it once was.

The easiest way to install and configure X is to install the X Window System component during the Linux installation procedure. If you omitted the X Window System component, you should consider redoing the installation procedure, as this may be the simplest way to install X. But if it’s not practical to redo the installation procedure, you can use the information in this section to manually install and configure X.

Note

You should exercise due care while configuring X to run on your system. If you incorrectly or incompletely configure X, your system can be permanently damaged. In particular, if you configure your monitor for a refresh rate that exceeds its capacity, you can damage the monitor. Older fixed-frequency monitors are particularly susceptible to such damage. The author and publisher have taken pains to make this appendix clear and accurate, but our efforts don’t ensure that the procedure presented here will work correctly with your hardware. Consequently, the author and publisher cannot be held responsible for damages resulting from a faulty ...