LCD Monitor woes for a Linux Noob

[DarkDexter]

Ok, i was trying to install (for the first time ever) Fedora code 1. I bought the book Linux for non-geeks and it came with it. I was following the insructions and the installer cant recognise my LCD screen. when it trys to go to the next part my screen says "DVI lost signal". I have a NEC Multisync LCD 1860NX Monitor. Any Ideas, i have 56k so downloading a new disto isnt a option and i really want to dive into Linux. Help would be greatly appriceiated.

[lagitus]

What video card do you have? Some cards can be quite problematic during auto-detection.

You can try installing in text mode or fiddling with some other boot options.

[DarkDexter]

I am using an Nvidia GeForce FX 5200 Ultra, Fedora auto-detceted it, the only thing it didnt auto detect was my monitor. I don;t know it I am really good enough to install Linux through text mode thou, any other suggestions?

[lagitus]

You could temporarily try a VGA cable if possible. There may be a boot option to set the resolution and/or refresh rates manually. See if there are and perhaps try those.

The text mode install isn't that hard either. Try it. Just be careful with the partitioning. Everything else you can always try again if it fails right?

[DarkDexter]

K, i installed Fendora and used the Text mode (it wasnt that hard, thanks) but now when i boot into Fedora from Grub i get a fun screen of purple static, i am going to go to my garage and dig up my VGA cable and try it. If that dosent work i have a old CRT monitor that i know will work, but, will Linux auto detect the change or will have to reinstall Fedora all over again? :D I'll have an update in a little bit.

[lagitus]

Ah, I think I've run into the same problem. In the linux world there are two nvidia drivers:
"nv" is the open source one. It doesn't support 3d. "nvidia" is the propietary one. It supports all features.

Because of licencing issues, distros default to "nv". I remember having a similar issue with DVI and the "nv" driver. It was either a blank screen or a screenful of garbage. If I remember correctly, this has been fixed in newer distros (distros with the latest X.org). The problem should go away once you install the propietary drivers.

[DarkDexter]

ok, i am starting to understand the problem, but how can i update the driver? since i cant get into Fedora because when grub boots it goes to the purple static screen. Second, where do i download it? I found a driver for Linux on nivida.com., but i dont understand their instructions. :D Lol, considering this is my first installition of Linux, this is some tuff stuff ;)

[lagitus]

The screen is messed up immediately after grub boots? Or do you get to briefly see the console while things like background services load? If not, the issue is not the "nv" driver because that is loaded only after you enter graphics mode (i.e. X is started).

What does your grub look like? Are there some kind of graphics or is it a black/white menu with some text on the bottom?

This seems to get complicated.. You are indeed somewhat unlucky with hardware.

[DarkDexter]

K, this is starting to get complex. I can see grub fine with my LCD, and then the text scrolls by when i select Fedora and then the screen goes purple static when it is supposed to go past that. I went to my garage and plugged in my old VGA CRT into my video card too and reinstalled Fedora with that monitor (just turned off LCD so Linux wouldnt see it). I was able to use the garphical install and got into fedoa fine (now i am dual screening in Windows :p ). But i would really like to use my LCD for Fedora (if not dual screening Linux too). Anyway i got into Fedora and i am going to try to install the driver for linux off the nivdia site. I'll have an update later today. (Side Note: I've never dual screened b4, in windows or linux, but i am definatlygonna stick with it, extra desktop space rules!)

[DarkDexter]

K, i got the monitor running. My biggest problem is i didnt know the terminal commands (i'm a DOS veterane, but some of the terminal commands (/sbin/init 3 & sh & su) confused me a great deal. Anyway I am getting used to linux now and enjoying it a great deal. Just gotta set up Nvidia Twinview so i can go dual screen. Anyway, Thank you very much lagitus for all the help, time for some Linux! :D