cannot create xorg.conf file
 

I am running Scientific Linux 6 on a Dell Vostro Laptop with the following configuration:

CPU: Core i5-2410m
Ram: 4GB
Graphics: AMD(ATI) Radeon 6630

with the fresh install I had display problem because the resolution available to me was pretty low. I was able to fix this by upgrading the linux Kernel to 2.6.32-131.12.1.el6.i686.

The resolution is proper now but there are no Desktop effects and the xorg.conf file is not present at /etc/X11 or any other directory.
So I tried to create it by issuing the
command: Xorg -configure
but it says:
Fatal server error:
Caught signal 11 (Segmentation fault). Server aborting

The complete output is here:

If you want to use fglrx (as I assume is the case, since you have it installed), you should not use 'Xorg -configure' to generate an xorg.conf file. You should instead use aticonfig. I believe the exact command is 'aticonfig --initial'.

Adam

thanks Adam, for making things a bit clear but the "aticonfig --initial" command says: "aticonfig: No supported adapters detected"

Also I have installed the drivers for my GPU from AMD and have an menu item name
"AMD Catalyst Control Center" in System->Preferences but launching it says something like:

Oh, this is one of those hybrid GPUs, isn't it? As far as I know, running fglrx on them is unsupported. Unless your BIOS has an option to disable the onboard GPU, you may have to use the intel GPU and the intel driver.

Adam

Ok ya I too dont want to use any 3D stuff...should I remove the ATI drivers...how do I get the onboard Intel GPU to work ?
This may be very nooby but I really dont have a clue

Yes, I would remove the ati drivers. Theoretically, X should work without any xorg.conf file, assuming your intel video drivers are recent enough to support that sandy bridge GPU. Your version of Xorg is over a year old, so it may not be new enough.

Adam

I removed the ATI drivers...but I think the Intel onboard GPU is't detected cause going to Desktop Effects it says " This requires 3D graphics Accelerator"

also

I tried to run Xorg --config command and it says:

Fatal server error:
Required argument to -config not specified

Gah, I hate the term 'hybrid GPU'. Its too easy to confuse with things like 'hybrid crossfire' and 'hybrid SLI'. 'Switchable graphics' is more correct. ;)

You're right, currently fglrx will not work with switchable graphics (though AMD is meant to be 'working on it').

You can use the open source drivers with switchable graphics even if you dont have a BIOS switch to 'force' the AMD/ATI or nVidia GPU..... if bumblebee works anyway.

https://github.com/MrMEEE/bumblebee

BTW, dont confuse 'switchable graphics' with nVidia 'optimus'. They are similar, but optimus is more complicated and harder to work with.

The intel integrated graphics chip (on the CPU with 'sandy bridge' CPUs) is detected.....or else you wouldnt have any video output at all. With Scientific Linux 6 using older versions of the modules, etc. needed to make 'sandy bridge' video work properly, I'm suprised that it ran at all.

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?pag...y_breaks&num=1

So to get 'sandy bridge' video working right, you'll want kernel 2.6.37+, Mesa 7.10+, xf86-video-intel 2.14 DDX+ (and possibly a newer version of xrog-server as well)

As far as compiz goes this might help as well-

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?pag...y_breaks&num=1

hey thanks Cascade9 and Adam for making this stuff clearer than ever....

All this is little too much for me so I am reading all the story...:)

but I have one doubt case I dont think I can get the latest stuff the kernel 2.6.37+, Mesa 7.10+, xf86-video-intel 2.14 DDX+ packages for SL6 at least they are not available in the package manager, or is there any other way ???

friends I was able to update and boot into my new linux Kernel version 2.6.39.4 and also have Mesa 7.7 installed but I am unable to install xf86-video-intel-2.16.0

after uncompressing the archive and running the ./configure command I get a error saying
following is the output

What am I missing now ???
I have a X11R6 directory in /usr directory
should it be X11R7 ???

a question
WHY are you using SL6 ( a free rebuild of RHEL6), a server and workstation OS, on a laptop ( a VERY NEW one)
One that is not well supported by a OS meant to run in the lab and NOT on a laptop ( yes laptops are in labs) .


also why run SL6 if you want to use very new and not supported versions of code
kernel-2.6.32.131 is the current SL6.X

ScientificLinux like RHEL is a STABLE operating system
by installing a untested kernel you made an unstable os

so again why SL6 if you do NOT WANT a stable operating system ?
But one that will crash all the time .

I did get the above error sorted out...the only reason I chose SL6 was that it was built from the same source as RHEL6 and CentOS 6 was not out at that time...but Obviously I made a mistake...I want to change now

So can you suggest me some good Distro...all I want to do is Qt and Android programming, play some HD videos, etc;
I dont want to use Ubuntu....Fedora I can but I dont like the fact that it keeps changing all the time...but I think its a good option for me...
Slackware, does it run gnome and kernel version ???

for QT staying about 3 months back on fedora would work

fedora15 is the current and 16 will be out in about a month or so
wait 90 days after fedora 16 is released .
Do a Minimal kde install
update ( add in the last 90 days of fixes - about 1 to 3+ gig depending on install )
then stay about 90 days back ,every 6 months install the new version

This type if cycle keeps you using the new software BUT allows for 90 days of bug fixes
Fedora has A LOT of them .


or
what i do
I got off the fedora roller coaster a bit back , the NEW install every 6 months was getting to me

Install OpenSUSE
suse has a bit more sane release cycle with a 18 month release cycle and a longer life cycle

http://en.opensuse.org/Lifetime

but i still do like fedora so give both a try