Newbie Video Problems

[pcorbett]

Please help. I am totally new to Linux.
I installed RH V7 and all seemed well. It detected that I had a Banshee Card and I selected 16M memory. When it came to monitor detection it didn't have mine in the list (KTX 17"), I selected a generic 1024 monitor (In Win98 I selected plug-n-play & all was fine).
When it comes to logging in and I start the GUI (startx I think I used) the display is distorted and the graphics don't seem to refresh on screen making it useless. I have reinstalled a few times selecting different generic monitors but still the same outcome.
I think I read somewhere that Linux doesn't support AGP. Is this the problem or was this referring to earlier versions.
Another problem is that the system automatically starts the GUI on start up which is not helping me to browse and maybe change the settings again. How do you switch from GUI to text at login prompt?.
There is a directory on the driver Cd named Linux the files are: Imakefil, Mxic_ban.s, Mixc_dri.c, XF86_svg
Are these driver files? If so how do I install the drivers.
Or is it the monitor.

Please help. I am getting to the point of scrapping Linux but I really want to learn it as I am getting sick of Win98 crashing

[pbharris]

hello,
i dont have a banshee, but i would try to use another tool to set up X. I use xf86config, which gives a bit more control than Xconfigurator. get the vertical and horizontal refresh rates for your moniter and you will be able to enter them directly without having to worry about a menu choice.

the linux equivilent of a driver is called a module or maybe a library. it comes with xfree86. what X uses is servers, which is made up of more than one file typcally. (including config files).Linux supports AGP just fine, (I am using it with a TNT2 and have with a G200).

paul


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I don't use Linux because I hate Windows (which I do) I use Linux because I like it.
pbharris_359@yahoo.com

[mdwatts]

As was said, Linux supports AGP.

For starting in different modes, have a look at the FAQ's here. You'll find how to start in X or non-X mode or search the forums as it's a very popular subject here.

I could post the link to the FAQ, but I think best for all to learn how to find it for yourself. Also check out the NHF's.

[mrBen]

OK - the whole GUI/CLI thing. If you hold down ctrl+alt+backspace it should jump out of X to a login prompt. Alternatively ctrl+alt+f (1-8) will switch to an alternative virtual terminal.
To make the change more permantent, you need to change your initdefault to 3 in the /etc/inittab file.


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mrBen

[Sokertes]

I have a banshee card also. When I first installed it was distorted also. What I found out (at least for me) is when you turn off your monitor and then back on it refreshes manually. Ever since then it works great without having to manually turn the monitor off then back on. Weird but it worked.