X-windows Configuration

X-Windows Help

Things have changed quite a lot since the 5.xx and 6.xx versions of SuSE Linux came along. The more recent 8.xx versions use YaST2 for everything. This combined with SaX2 should produce a computer with a working X-windows configuration. In the highly unlikely event that your computer refuses to start or configure X-windows you might want to use the somewhat out of date instructions that you can read below which were written to cover some peculier problems that did crop up with early versions of the software.

X-windows configuration can cause all sorts of problems for new users and even for experienced users. The best advice that anyone has given me about his goes something like the following. Before you get started take the mains plug out of the wall and make sure that there are no cables attached to your computer at all. Take off the cover/lid and then look for the graphics card, sound card, network card (if there is one). Get hold of a pen and a piece of paper and write down anything that is written on these cards. You should look for the name of the manufacturer, which version of the card it is and any serial numbers. If you do remove any cards to examine them please do make sure that you have replaced then properly. If you don't it could cost you a great deal of money. Next put the cover back in place and make absolutely sure that you have put the retaining screws back in place. When you have checked this put the cables back in and plug it into the wall. You can now boot the machine from the boot disc and start YaST and eventually Sax for X-windows configuration. You will also need to have a look on the back of your monitor to find the name of the manufacturer and the model number.

People can still find that they can't configure X-windows with Sax. If this happens then run XF86Setup from the command line. This almost always works fine. The XFree86 configuration tool is still the best tool to use for sorting out X-windows, mouse and monitor problems. It will even give you a choice of special options for your card. A buggy chipset is best sorted out in this way. If you still aren't too sure then have a look at the XFree web site for FAQs that relate to X-servers.