Questions related to X-windows and various Graphical User Interfaces

How do you configure X under Red Hat 8.0?

Surely xf86config still works.

Yes, but it doesn't allow you to test settings on-the-fly?

redhat-config-xfree86

That's the same as the control panel in X. I'm looking for the equivalent of xconfigurator or Xsetup (I think it was called), that you ran from the command line and could test settings before commiting to them.

How about "XFree86 -configure"?

This is for XFree86-4 only and autoconfigures the display as best as it can, leaving an !XF86Config.new in the current directory.

Then "XFree86 -xf86config XF86Config.new" to test

To quote from a redhat FAQ How can I change my monitor settings?

Resolution For versions prior to 8.0 (and for Advanced Server):

Run Xconfigurator as the root user. Xconfigurator should automatically pick up your card and monitor. If not, you can choose custom settings from the list of choices, and you will be able to enter the pertinent info by hand. If you choose custom monitor, please note you will need to have on hand the horizontal and vertical sync rates for your monitor. You can get this information either from your monitor\'s manual or by contacting the technical support department of the company that manufactured your monitor.

For 8.0:

Run redhat-config-xfree86 as the root user. In the Display tab, you may configure the desired resolution and color depth. In the Advanced tab, you may configure the monitor you are using. If you choose a monitor from the list, the horizontal and vertical refresh rates will automatically populate. If you use choose custom monitor or decide to customize the setting, you will need to have on hand the horizontal and vertical sync rates for your monitor. You can get this information either from your monitor\'s manual or by contacting the technical support department of the company that manufactured your monitor. You may also probe for, select, and configure your video card from the Advanced tab.

How can I exit from Gnome desktop and go to the line command prompt?

John H. Robinson IV says: there are many ways:

One way is to just fire up an xterm, which has a command line prompt right there.

Another way is to shift to another virtual console that is runninga getty. there are usually six of them, shift-alt-f1 through f6 will get you to one of them.

Joshua Penix says: Just press CTRL-ALT-F1 (or 2,3,4,5 or 6) and use those text terminals while leaving Gnome running in the background. CTRL-ALT-F7 will bring you back to Gnome.

*ThunderChicken interjects: ALT-F7 is good enough once you're in the console. The control-alt stuff is because ALT-Fn is eaten by X already.*

You can also open up a root prompt, and assuming you are on a debian(like) system, run "/etc/init.d/xdm stop" or if you are on a Red Hat (like) system, run "init 3"