Learning Red Hat Linux, Second Edition

Configuring X

If you followed the instructions in Chapter 3 and the installation procedure went well, X has already been configured. In that case, you don’t need to perform the procedure given in this section. However, sometimes the installation procedure doesn’t go well. In that case, you can use the procedure given in this section to configure X rather than redoing the installation procedure.

A configuration file named /etc/X11/XF86Config or /etc/X11/XF86Config-4 controls the operation of X. As explained later in this chapter, you can edit this file using pico or another text editor (such as vi or Emacs), but it’s much easier to use Xconfigurator, which asks a few questions about your system and then builds the file for you. To launch Xconfigurator, log in as root and type the command:

            Xconfigurator --expert

Xconfigurator displays its opening screen, shown in Figure D-1. The configuration process that ensues is very similar to the one performed by the install program, but as you’ll see, there are a few minor differences.

The biggest difference is that, unlike the install program, Xconfigurator’s user interface is entirely text-based. You can’t use the mouse to point or click. Instead, you must use the Tab and arrow keys to move the cursor and the spacebar or Enter key to “click” buttons.

To begin the configuration process, use the Tab key to select the OK button and press Enter.

Warning

Xconfigurator overwrites the contents of the XF86Config file. If you already have a working ...