cannot change font size in single user mode (not konsole, not xterm) just bare consol

Emmanuel_uk · 07-30-2006, 11:06 AM

Hi, I want to learn how to decrease font size, wrap text, and go to 132 columns
mode when in single user mode (using single as keyword in grub).

I am looking for a command line. At least I found vga=ask for grub.

After lots of reading and trial, I am still not there.
I have head about toe, stty, setterm, env
Infocmp takes the -w argument
Setterm takes -linewrap on but nothing about 132 columns
I am confused with xterm console, and also konsole. Must be overlooking something simple.

I need to to be able to change column mode and font size in single mode.
because in mandriva 2005 vim /etc/fstab does not display whole of long line.
Thanks

Emerson · 07-31-2006, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emmanuel_uk

I need to to be able to change column mode and font size in single mode.
because in mandriva 2005 vim /etc/fstab does not display whole of long line.

Use :se wrap command, it will not break the line in the file, just only on display.

mudflap · 09-04-2008, 03:01 PM

[QUOTE=Emmanuel_uk;2357894]Hi, I want to learn how to decrease font size, wrap text, and go to 132 columns
mode when in single user mode (using single as keyword in grub).

Try the command "fbset" with no options. that will tell you what resolution your display is in currently.

To change resolutions on a single terminal, type:

fbset "1024x768-60"

This may give you 132 columns, if not try:

fbset "1280x1024-60"

which is what i use. I have never counted the columns.

The available modes (on my system) are in the file etc/fb.modes
This is the database file used by fbset, and will indicate what modes are available.
You will be able to set each console to a different resolution, however there may be some hesitation as you switch consoles.

Setting all your consoles to the same resolution should eliminate this hesitation, and is accomplished with the "-a" option:

fbset -a "1280x1024-60"

Much depends on the capabilities of your video card and monitor, and it is easy to input a mode your monitor especially, is incapable of displaying. Do not allow this to continue.

The command line should still be available.
Before resorting to the three-finger salute you should try recovery first, by simply inputting your original resolution in the same format, or alternately, the most universal mode may be (with no promises)

fbset "640x480-60"

Remember there is no substitute for reading the documentation.