X Power Tools

Chapter 2. Starting a Local X Server

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

An X server can be started in different ways to suit different types of use. In this chapter, we’ll examine the techniques available for starting X and discuss the best approach for some common scenarios, including:

• Presenting a graphical login display (Section 2.4)

• Configuring a home system with two graphical login displays, so that two people can alternately use it without disturbing each others’ work (Section 2.7)

• Starting X on a server system only when it is really needed, in order to conserve system resources for more important uses (Section 2.9)

• Starting an X server that is displayed within another X server (Section 2.11)

We’ll also take a look at how to use Virtual Terminals (Sections 2.2 and 2.10), how to simulate a mouse when a bad configuration leaves you without one (Section 2.12), and how to terminate X (Sections 2.13 and 2.14).

Virtual Terminals

Linux, FreeBSD, and many other modern Unix kernels support a virtual terminal (VT) (or virtual console) capability, which provides independent virtual video cards. The monitor, keyboard, mouse, and physical video card are associated with only one VT at a time, and each virtual video card can be in a different display mode—some may be in character mode while others are in graphical mode. This enables multiple X servers and nongraphical sessions to be active at the same time.

To switch virtual terminals on Linux, press Ctrl-Alt-Fx(where Fx is a function key from F1 through ...