how do i edit my xconfig to use the 1280x1024 screen resolution without making it look screwy? my whole screen is either unviewable or it scrolls as if it were a 19" monitor.

In the
Section "Screen"
Identifier "Screen 1"
Device "GeForce FX 5200"
Monitor "SDM-S71R"
DefaultDepth 24

Subsection "Display"
Depth 8
Modes "1280x1024" "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
ViewPort 0 0
EndSubsection
Subsection "Display"
Depth 16
Modes "1280x1024" "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
ViewPort 0 0
EndSubsection
Subsection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1280x1024" "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
ViewPort 0 0
EndSubsection
EndSection
Obviously, change the "Device" and "Monitor" to reflect your own hardware.