LinuxQuestions.org - Is my hardware too meager for a GUI?

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Charred: in xorgconfig I entered my own refresh rates for my monitor. Horizontal set at 40-50 Hz, Vertical at 50-60 Hz.

Video card: ** Intell i810 (generic) Memory: 4096K

It appears that the max resolution for my monitor is 1024x768, but this didn't work last try, so I'm gonna scale it down to 800x600. at default 8-bit (256 colors).

I still get the same errors:

*****big edit

While re-reading all of these posts, and looking at this error message (from running 'startx'), I found this (esentially the entire screen before what I already posted) right before those listed below:

Code:

...(++) from command line, (!!) notice, (II) informational,

(WW) warning, (EE) error, (NI) not implemented, (??) unknown. ...

(==)Using config file: "/etc/X11/xorg.conf"

(EE) 1810(0): Less than 6 MB of AGP memory is available. Cannot proceed.

I'm near positive the onboard video card is 4 MB. Could this be my problem?

*****

This is interesting:

Code:

(EE) Screens(s) found, but none have a usable configuration.

Then right under it:

Code:

Fatal server error:

no screens found

then after contact information (X.org url, etc):

Code:

 XIO:  fatal IO error 104 (Connection reset by peer) on X server ":0.0

                    after 0 requests (0 known processed) with 0 events remaining.

*****another edit

does inet6 have anything to do with runlevel 6, My version of X (6.8.1), or the amount of memory (in MB) needed for a GUI, or none of the three?

*****

The "Y" following means your kernel is configured for AGP.

Quote:

Originally posted by Ariox
I wish I had 5 old computers to play around with... My brother had to quiz me over keeping an old floppy drive floating around (plenty of which he has, even in broken computers). Yes, the floppy on my nice computer did break. Never shop at Fry's. Ever. Scary time.

I agree, a 600 mhz computer is still perfectly fine. Although it was about before I was old enough to really have an interest in computers, I have noticed that similar models made around the same time tend to have 128 MBs' RAM, so I'm assuming that this one was a cheaper model (It IS an emachine after all).

Actually, there is an old computer (but much more recent than mine) in the garage running at 500 mhz but with lots more ram and perhaps a reasonable graphics card. The only problem is that the Windows installation is corrupted (surprise... I have nightmares about Windows crashing. ...maybe). By my knowledge, it would be possible to use these nice Slackware ISOs here and format the sucker... But there's no way I could ever get my always-irate brother to give it up, even though he has 3 (three, yes three) of the same exact model. Hmm... Now that I count, theres a 166 mhz, a 200, three 500's, and a 1.8 Ghz comp without a PSU that's been there since my mom got a G5 (quite spiffy) recently. If I could get the PSU back from my electronically inept dad that would rock...

But I'm going off on a tangent (no duh). So please, those select few entertained by this, go read my previous post and help me out. ;)

Sounds to me like it's time to negotiate for better computing rights.

Quote:

(EE) 1810(0): Less than 6 MB of AGP memory is available. Cannot proceed.

It appears to me that your system is looking for an AGP card; hmmm...on second thought I think it wants more video memory.

Have you tried "insmod agpgart"?

Please take a moment and fill out your user profile.

Where are you seeing inet6?

Now you know why I hate onboard graphics. You NEED an actual VIDEO CARD.

Quote:

Originally posted by Charred
Sounds to me like it's time to negotiate for better computing rights.

Maybe if he wasn't the one who purchased them (except the 1.8... My mom said I could have it, so if it gets to be a fight.. :-P

Quote:

It appears to me that your system is looking for an AGP card; hmmm...

Looks like it's time for a midnight raid involving a screwdriver... Nobody tell him, ok?

Quote:

Please take a moment and fill out your user profile.

Alright.

Quote:

Where are you seeing inet6?

It's on the first page in one of my posts. It was kind of an off-side question that time, but if you think it could matter, please tell me.

Quote:

Now you know why I hate onboard graphics. You NEED an actual VIDEO CARD.

I may sound silly, but is there a way to use my swap instead of onboard graphics? I know performance will suffer, but it would only be a temporary solution so that I could at least use a GUI.

If I lied and set my video card at 8 MB instead of 4, I don't suppose it would work? :-P

Try `lsmod|grep agpgart`to see if the AGP module is loaded, and if that returns nothing, then try `modprobe agpgart` to load it.

It would also be worth poking around in the BIOS to check that it is set to use the on-board graphics. IIRC, my old board had a BIOS option to use either the on-board AGP *or* a PCI slot.

I have found a partial solution and managed to start a GUI, this way:

in xorgconfig, I declined to look at the list of video cards, leaving default. I then set my Video card at 8 MB (yes, I lied, it's really only 4). A GUI does load. However, by leaving my video card at default, I have a very low resolution, probably less than 640x480, but i can't really tell. I just opened mozilla and the title bar is in what appears to be size 48+ text, and it's obviously unusable (However, I do confirm internet access! :-D).

My guess is that by setting a default video card driver and setting it's memory to 8 MB, Slackware automatically uses my swap space to run fluxbox?

In that case, my question:

How can I (as easily as possible) change my xorg.config file to set a higher resolution without setting a non-default video card?

Thankyou all so much for your help, I could have never done it without you. I feel like I learned so much too. :)

Inet6 is an internet protocol, nothing to do with this.

Lying to your computer shouldn't have worked, it probes for the truth; and I don't know of any way to use swap space for video memory. I'm not saying there isn't one, I just don't know of one.

I would casually mention to Mom tomorrow that you've decided to take her up on her kind offer of the 1.8 Ghz, and transfer it to your own personal domain first thing in the AM, even if the PSU is dead. After all, posession is nine parts of the law. Try doing extra chores to establish a "new PSU" fund.

I don't recommend larcenous visits to your brother's hardware graveyard as a way to obtain hardware, especially if he's ill-tempered and has paid for the equipment himself. If you have no other options, I'll look and see if my old S3 still works, and you can have it for the cost of shipping.

Thanks for filling out your profile, that makes things easier.

Quote:

Originally posted by mugstar
Try `lsmod|grep agpgart`to see if the AGP module is loaded, and if that returns nothing, then try `modprobe agpgart` to load it.

It would also be worth poking around in the BIOS to check that it is set to use the on-board graphics. IIRC, my old board had a BIOS option to use either the on-board AGP *or* a PCI slot.

I seem to remember seeing something like that on a few old computers too. Good thought!

Charred, Tinkster and the rest, you've all been a big help.

Honestly, The two things I'd like to know now is how to change my resolution and exactly how I'm using a GUI.

Charred, don't worry, I probably won't swipe a video card in a single deft swoop (though I have supa' Ninja skillz); I probably wouldn't have the nerve to steal anyway.

I'll snatch up that (not so) old PC in the morning, first thing. Good suggestion. If I can get a PSU working for it I don't think I'll need this old emachine (though getting to work was a long but rewarding process).

But please, I'd really like my final two answers from anyone who can answer. :)

BTW, well done Ariox, and welcome to LQ!

Thankyou, I feel welcome. Although I do feel like a spammer. My excuse is 4 30 am. ;)

Resolution Resolution Resolution...

Hmmm...I would try the BIOS fix, and if that's a go, reconfigure xorg to your onboard chipset.

Failing that, I would cut the resolutions and timings from the configured xorg.conf and paste them into the "default" xorg.conf. I'm not sure how well that'll work, but it's worth a go.

BTW, did you need to load the agpgart module? Did you even check?

Either your lie fooled xorg, or it's using swap, or some third option that I'm missing right now because it's 05.42 for me.

The emachine might make a nice firewall.

1) What do you mean by "Bios Fix"?

2)I'm already connected through a router, so would this be neccesary?

3)I ask too many questions too early in the morning.

4)Ignore #3.

edit: What is the agpgart model?

Reboot your computer, and enter setup. Once in BIOS setup, shuffle around and see if there is an option for switching between on-board graphics and an agp/pci slot. If there is, select on-board graphics, save your changes, and exit. When Slackware has rebooted, reconfigure xorg to use your onboard chipset.