debian screen resolution

2handband · 11-18-2009, 03:24 PM

I just installed the latest version of Debian on my Acer 6930 laptop which features an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator(GMA) 4500MHD video card. I have no screen resolution options whatsoever; I believe it is set to 1024x768 which on this 16" screen gives the whole thing this funky squashed appearance. I need 1366x768. Here is my xorg.conf:

Code:

Section "InputDevice"
	Identifier	"Generic Keyboard"
	Driver		"kbd"
	Option		"XkbRules"	"xorg"
	Option		"XkbModel"	"pc104"
	Option		"XkbLayout"	"us"
	Option		"XkbVariant"	"pc104"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
	Identifier	"Configured Mouse"
	Driver		"mouse"
EndSection

Section "Device"
	Identifier	"Configured Video Device"
	Option		"UseFBDev"		"true"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
	Identifier	"Configured Monitor"
EndSection

Section "Screen"
	Identifier	"Default Screen"
	Monitor		"Configured Monitor"
EndSection

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Gene

PS: does anyone know of a distro that is more stable than Ubuntu/Mint or Fedora yet doesn't come with all these hardware support issues???

rabbit2345 · 11-18-2009, 03:43 PM

That's kind of an odd resolution for a screen, so you will probably need the working Linux drivers for the graphics card you have.

This site looks like the place to get most of the Intel drivers:
[site]http://intellinuxgraphics.org[/site]

As for the second question, Debian is probably the most stable distribution I have used ever. But if you're looking for support, Ubuntu and openSUSE are generally pretty good at support. Ubuntu, however, usually has more hardware support builtin since they include some proprietary drivers, while everyone else tries to stick with the open source stuff.

good luck,
rabbit2345

2handband · 11-18-2009, 05:58 PM

These days it's not so odd; 16" monitors on laptops are becoming relatively commonplace. The intel drivers aren't necessary with Ubuntu or Mint, both of which set up the correct resolution on install. I'm trying to get away from Ubuntu/Mint because they simply are not stable... I don't care what anyone tries to tell you, they're not.

I looked over that site you linked to and don't see a straightforward link to simply download/install the drivers, in fact I got the distinct impression that the use of their software is really for people who are a lot more technically savvy than I am. I've never compiled a driver in my life and have no idea where to begin. I'm not quite sure what to do. Any thoughts?

knudfl · 11-18-2009, 07:54 PM

There are tools / commands, if you want to generate
modelines etc.

I use an easier method : Reuse the xorg.config from
a Linux, which makes a perfect file.

Suggest : run a live cd with PCLinuxOS or Mandriva.
They both use " xfdrake " to create the file.

Save the file to usb-key or to Google Docs.
Uncomment 2 lines fonts related stuff. Like :
## Load "type1"
## Load "freetype"
Make a backup of your current xorg.conf
su
cp -a xorg.conf /etc/X11/
cd /etc/X11/
chown root:root xorg.conf
.....
.....
And ... about drivers : all drivers are included in a modern Linux.
.....