X Power Tools

Chapter 5. Using the X Server

Interacting with the X Server

When you use an X-based GUI, almost all of your interaction is with client programs and not with the X server itself. However, there are a few keystroke combinations that are directly recognized by the server, and there are some features of the X server—such as the clipboard—that are accessible from a number of clients. This chapter covers the use of these features.

Changing Resolution On-the-Fly

The X.org and XFree86 X servers permit you to change between selected resolutions dynamically. The virtual screen size does not change, so any resolution that is lower than the virtual resolution will result in a scrolling screen:

• To go forward in the list of resolutions, press Ctrl-Alt-Plus (on the keypad).

• To go backward in the list of resolutions, press Ctrl-Alt-Minus (on the keypad).

The resolutions are taken from the Modes entry in the X server configuration (Screen section, Display subsection), or the modes reported by your monitor during probing. For example, your Modes entry might look like this:

	Modes "1280x1024" "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"

In this case, Ctrl-Alt-Plus will reduce the resolution in steps to 640 x 480, then cause it to jump to 1280 x 1024; Ctrl-Alt-Minus will increase it in steps to 1280 x 1024, then jump to 640 x 480.

This feature, called zooming, is useful for temporarily magnifying one part of the screen to inspect fine details in the user interface or to read small text. It can be disabled with a ServerLayout ...