I am going to be getting a new monitor on Monday (nothing fancy, just a Samsung 17" flat CRT).

Now, I don't anticipate having any problems with it working in Linux and am capable of editing my XF86Config file or running XF86Config.

What I want to know if I should make the changes to refresh rate etc (if necessary) before changing monitors. My concern is that if I have settings that are inappropriate I won't be able to get to any GUI or even a prompt with the new monitor.

Basically, to rephrase, if I am getting a new monitor, should I edit my XF86Config before or after I physically install it?

I am running RH9.

Sorry if this is a silly questions but I'd rather save myself a bit of a hassle later on.
-dave

If you boot to console, then there is no problem at all. If you boot into X then you would be best of changing the settings to a more default set before you install the new monitor.

Not a silly question at all, nice to see people thinking ahead instead of rushing in

Ion