Hello, brand new here to Linux and the forums.

I have just installed Debian 2.4.27-2-386 and am trying to configure my monitor. The display is too small--this laptop (Sony VAIO PCG-K13) has a native resolution of 1024x768, but the display defaults to 800x600. When I installed Debian I chose 1024x768 60 Hz as my monitor specs, but it still sets to 800x600. When I go to Applications->Desktop Preferences->Screen Resolution and change it to 1024x768, I get a "tessellated" screen. I was able to change it back to 800x600 with no problem. I went to dpkg=reconfigure X11 as well, but got the same results. Meanwhile on KDE, changing the resolutions stretched the screen out vertically in an unattractive way.

The 800x600 setting is just too fat; applications take up too much space and various icons are huge. Is this just the way it is, or could I try something different?

Thanks!

Look in your /etc/X11/xorg.conf file. The resolution is stored there, try to put "1024x768" first. Also, what video driver are you using? Some may have trouble with certain resolution, I sugest to first try "vesa"