I just installed Debian "sarge" and I am wondering how do I configure my X Server to a different video driver and monitor?

Assuming you got kernel 2.4

#apt-get -y install discover mdetect read-edid x-window-system <wm of your preference>

#dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xfree86

#modconf

will help you choose the driver for video

reboot

For kernel 2.6 follow the same instructions plus:

http://www.linuks.mine.nu/debian-faq-wiki/
Sections 2.6 and 2.7

macondo, isn't there an easier way to simply configure X? Your instructions led me into this utility that asks me many questions to which I did not know the answer. For example, what is the PCI bus identifier, and other such esoteric questions.

Thanks.

Don't you just need to edit your /etc/X11/XF86Config-4 file? That's how I've always configured my X-server anyway, I don't like to use any tools that modify that file for me.

as root:

apt-get install x-window-system mdetect discover read-edid

#dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xfree86

and let it auto-detect

if you wanna learn how to configure X, read sections 9 and 10 of

The Very Verbose Debian Installation Walkthrough
http://osnews.com/story.php?news_id=2016

Debian is not for newbies who refuse to read, there is no easy way out.

I've never had much success editing my XF86Config-4 file. I always screw up something.

What I like is the "xf86config" utility. It does ask you some questions about your hardware, but if you know your video card and refresh rates for your monitor, you should be all set. There is a guide for using "xf86config" here: http://www.bitbenderforums.com/vb22/...?postid=313121 (it says Slackware, but it works the same for Debian).

I disagree with the "no easy way out" comment. For me to achieve the goal of changing video card driver and monitor, do you really think that it is appropriate for me to answer questions about the PCI bus identifier? (not to mention the many other esoteric questions with which I was confronted).

I'm honestly shocked that there isn't a friendly way of changing the X settings. Isn't there a GUI-based applet that I can use to change video card and monitors, and resolution/colors/refresh?

I can see your point on the bus id but you should actually know what the refresh rates for the monitor you want to connect are, what kind of mouse you are using and the max resolution/colour depth you can/want to use. How about this post the details of the monitor you are using along with the make/model of the video card and the contents of your current /etc/X11/XF86Config-4 file and we should be able to figure out a proper file for you. Oh and if your are using an AGP card the bus id is more than likely 01:00:00.

m_yates wrote:

"What I like is the "xf86config" utility. It does ask you some questions about your hardware, but if you know your video card and refresh rates for your monitor, you should be all set."

What do you think 'dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xfree86' is?
xf86config used in other distros is longer and confusing.

glock19 wrote:

"I disagree with the "no easy way out" comment. For me to achieve the goal of changing video card driver and monitor, do you really think that it is appropriate for me to answer questions about the PCI bus identifier? (not to mention the many other esoteric questions with which I was confronted)."

You don't have to answer those questions, it is ALL explained in the article:
The Very Verbose Debian Installation Walkthrough, besides, there is a section about the monitor, in which all you have to choose is simple, medium, and Advanced. If you only know the size of your monitor screen, that's enough; but... YOU HAVE TO READ THE ARTICLE TO FIND THIS OUT! Everybody wants to be a geek but don't want to read. Did you read the article? NO

I told you to install several packages (discover, mdetect, read-edid, etc) so Debian auto-detects your hardware, did you install them? NO

"I'm honestly shocked that there isn't a friendly way of changing the X settings. Isn't there a GUI-based applet that I can use to change video card and monitors, and resolution/colors/refresh?"

Welcome to Debian, newbie!

Libranet 2.8.1 (free version) is a superb distro and has all this and more, it even compiles kernel with the use of the script, autodetects all your hardware, a great distro.

MEPIS will put Debian Sid on your hd and so does KANOTIX, Debian Beta Installer will put Sarge on your hd, i never used it, but i think it auto detects too.

Now, if you are not going to follow instructions, and just want to bellyache or troll, then Debian is not for you. Try any of the other alternatives and you'll be happy.

There are a couple of options.

(1) Download Libranet 2.8.1 and use it to install Debian. It is free and completely compatible with Debian. It has "Adminmenu" which is a system configuration utility that will let you do things like adjust display settings by point and click.

(2) Click here: http://www.morphix.org/debian/binari...0.1-6_i386.deb to download xconf. It is the same display configuration utility used by RedHat/Fedora. Install it with: then run it with the command "xconf"

(3) Download Mepis and use it to install. It is free and has a graphical system configuration utility. Mepis is just about completely compatible with Debian unstable. The latest version (RC2) is really a nice peice of work for desktop usage.

(4) If you want to point and click everything in Debian, buy Linspire or Xandros. They aren't completely compatible, but you can install most packages from the Debian repositories using apt-get.

Macondo wrote I disagree. He has a valid point about not having an easier display configuration utility in Debian. Being difficult to use does not make an operating system better.

What an unrighteous welcome.

But I'm not going to let your bad attitude spoil my impressions of Debian.

PS. I did follow your instructions and I was able to get X working the way I want. My whole comment was simply that I wish there were a friendlier way of accomplishing the task. Sheesh!

m_yates wrote:

" I disagree. He has a valid point about not having an easier display configuration utility in Debian."

No, he doesn't. It's only difficult because he never read the article, he is the typical lazy newbie who wants to say he installed Debian and it was a breeze, well, it is, IF you do your homework, he is just a spoiled brat who needed to be told the facts of life. Proof of it is, that the moment he 'grew up', he got it installed.

"Being difficult to use does not make an operating system better."

Absolutely, i agree with you, this is not the point here...Debian is not hard to do, if you read the documentation or articles.

Glock19 wrote:

"But I'm not going to let your bad attitude spoil my impressions of Debian."

Attaboy! I bet from now on, you will read and follow instructions.

"PS. I did follow your instructions and I was able to get X working the way I want. My whole comment was simply that I wish there were a friendlier way of accomplishing the task. Sheesh!"

You are welcome, son.

You know you are being just a little bit rude there are better ways than telling someone to RTFM to get your point across.