1 Introduction

The use of xf86config is simpler than what people say. Although it being a text mode app, all you have to do in order to get your X working is answer the questions appropriately. Check your graphics card chipset and memory. One last note: this article was written based on XFree 4.1.0. So, let's go: Press enter to skip the introduction ...

2 Mouse

Next, you must choose your mouse type. The protocol is usually 1 (Microsoft compatible). if you choose this, xf86setup will ask you about ChordMidle. For some Logitech mouses you must say yes here in order to use the 3rd button. In case your mouse has only 2 buttons, say yes to the next question.

Now you must choose the mouse device. In case your mouse is working intext mode with gpm, the /dev/mouse shoud be pointing to the right place. So, just press enter.

3 Keyboard

The next question is about your keyboard. Choose 13 if your keyboard is an ABNT2 (with 'cedilha'). In case it's the standard (us-acentos), choose 2 or 4 (Generic 10X-key (Intl)).

One more screen, this time for selecting the keyboard type. To ABNT users, the correct number is 8 (Brazilian). users of the standard us-acentos should select 3 (English w/ deadkeys). Then, press enter. Answer N in the next question (if you donīt know what it is, you probably donīt need it).

4 Monitor

Another enter and now we are at the monitor selection. Here is a step where carefull is necessary. You may damage your monitor if you select the wrong frequency. If your monitor supports 1024x768, select the number 4 to the horizontal frequency and in the next question (vertical), select 2. In case your monitor supports 800x600 only, select 5 (for horizontal freq) and then 1 (for vertical freq). If you have the monitorīs manual, take a look at the supported frequencies.

You can add an identification for your monitor. It is optional, if you don't want to do it, just press enter.

5 Video Card

Now you have the option to see the list of the cards officially supported by XFree86. Answer the question with y and prepare yourself to see an enormous list. The list is alphabetically ordered. When you find the name (or the chipset) of you video card, put itīs number and press enter. A simple question: How much memory does your card have?Just select the appropriate number. If your card has more than 4Mb (4096), select 6 and put the correct numbers (8192 to 8Mb, 16384 to 16Mb, 32768 to 32Mb and so on). A similar question to the monitor one: if you want it, you can put an identifier, if you don't, just press enter.

6 resolution

Now you must select the supported resolutions you want. The perspicacious mind will notice a list of resolutions for each color depth. This list appears in the order that the X will execute them. To change this order or to select only the resolutions you like, select 1 (to change the 8bpp modes), 2 (16bpp) or 3 (24bpp).

Now, enter the modes you want (in the order you like). In monitors of 15" I like to set '432'. In the 14" I set just 32 and in the 17" I set 5432. Almost no one likes the virtual screen, so answer no to this question.

If you want to change the resolutions for another bpp, select the corresponding bpp number and repeat the above paragraph. Select 4 when you are happy with the video modes. Now you can choose which will be the default bpp for your system. The number 4 (16 bits) is a good choice.

7 Conclusion

Ready! Now, it is just write the XF86Config. Your X has been configured :) Any doubts, suggestions or any claim, send them to piterpk@terra.com.br