change DisplayMode

epeterson · 01-06-2003, 12:23 PM

Yes, I am a newbie

How do I cange display mode in debian linux. I dont know how to
tell what mode I am in all I know is it is way to big. I checked the xf86config file it has all diiferent modes listed 1024 , etc. how can I change the mode.

any help would be great

thanks

Arleta · 01-06-2003, 12:33 PM

I have gentoo, but I think the idea is the same:
You can edit the xf86config file to display different modes. Here's how you do it:

In the file you'll see a few lines like this:

Subsection Display
Depth 16
Modes "1024x768"
Endsubsection

To change it, edit the file (not sure in debian but in gentoo the command is nano) and where it says modes replace the "1024x768" with "800x600". You can delete the other modes so that it won't automatically pick 1024x768.
Lemme know if this works.

mhearn · 01-06-2003, 12:59 PM

Tip: most newbie friendly distros come with a resolution changer control panel. Debian isn't newbie friendly. Not sure why you picked it, it might be better to start with say Redhat/SuSE and then move onto debian later.