Just loaded Linux, have a display question

[linux_newguy]

Hi all,
I just loaded linux for the first time on my computer and I am trying to find a way to change the resolution. I ran "text mode tool menu" and was able to change the resolution, but I didnt change it to the right one I guess. Now when I try and run the same utility it seems to be loading a different program?? It doesnt give me the same options as it use to?

Anyhelp would be great!!!

Thanks

[slapNUT]

What distro did you load?
What window/desktop manager did you load?
What XFree86 version?
What graphics card?

[linux_newguy]

I really dont know much about this at all as I've loaded it for the first time and I'm just messing around right now, but I will try and take a guess at what you asked me.
I am using Red Hat 6.2, Gnome desktop, ATI Rage IIc adapter. Thats about all I know, when I loaded the original settings I selected Standard VGA 800x600 but for some reason it doesnt seem like that is what it is showing.

[Gaccm]

when you configure the graphical part, you can choose a few different settingd you might like. You might have choen 800x600 but its not defaulting to that. try doing ctrl + and ctrl - and see if that changes anything

[Ludootje]

Well, you seem to be really new so i'm explaining everything in detail, if you aren't you'll probably think i see you as a moron ;)

first, open a terminal.
to do this, go to your gnome menu (the foot) and go to the submenu terminals.
you'll probably see more than one terminal, but that doesn't matter, just open one.

then, type this:
xf86cfg &

this should open a window, click on the monitor you see in that window to go configure it.

if, for some reason, the program doesn't work (it just closes or whatever, like it does here on my box) type this in the terminal:
xf86config

then in the terminal, you will be prompted for some questions etc, just answer them.

or another possibility:

open /etc/X11/XF86Config-4 with your favorite editor (if you're 100% new to linux: go to the menu (the gnome foot) and search for a submenu called apps or something like that, than go to editors and click on gedit, kedit, kate,... whatever you see there) and open /etc/X11/XF86Config-4

go to edit -> search and search for this:
Section "Screen"

then you'll probably see something like this:

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Device "Generic Video Card"
Monitor "Generic Monitor"
DefaultDepth 16
SubSection "Display"
Depth 1
Modes "1024x768"
EndSubSection

just change the 1024x768 (which will probably be something else for you) to the resolution you want.
save it.

(oh, i forgot, EACH of the possibilities must be done by the user root, so when you start you terminal first of all type this:
su
which stands for 'superuser'. then you will see this:
Password:
and you just type the root password there)

[mdwatts]

Sorry Ludootje though it was a good try.

Unfortunately just about everything you suggested is for X 4.# and Redhat 6.2 will have X 3.3.#.

Try using either

XF86Setup

Xconfigurator

xf86config

[Ludootje]

damn didn't knew that.
if i may ask mdwatts, how comes that although you don't use redhat you even know which xf86 version redhat6.2 has :confused:?

[mdwatts]

If you spend enough time reading the posts here, you learn a few things about other distros. I still have much to learn though.

[mrvincentb]

i tried to follow ur instructions just to try to learn, but when i type xf86cfg i get a bash command not found. i also get this when i try to run gw or linuxcfg or linuxconf. any ideas? :confused:

[MarkLeong]

If you are using RH6.2, log in as root in text mode. Then type Xconfigurator. You can now be able to configure your display and test it at the same time.

Have your manual for the monitor ready. You might need it to specify the frequency.