.xinitrc
 

I am trying to configure my .xinitrc file and I need a few pointers. How do I get the applications that I am starting in it to go to a certain spot on my screen automatically? What is the syntax for that? Also, why is it that gkrellm won't start at all? I have it set to start with the other apps in the .xinitrc file but it simply won't start up.

Do you have it installed? Also, run it with the command line regularly, and see if it starts. You can check out the gkrellm homepage for info for different wm to have gkrellm start in certain places. For Flux it's 'gkrellm -w'

So, an example for xinitrc to start flux might be:

exec gkrellm -w
exec fluxbox
#exec kde

Obviously this is very basic, and doesn't need the #exec kde as this is just to add to the example.

Cool

Here is a copy of my .xinitrc:

bbpager &
bbkeys -i &
gaim &
gnome-terminal &
Esetroot /mnt/cheetah/wallpaper/singularity_rescaled_brushed.jpg &
gkrellm $
exec blackbox

is that '$' supposed to be there after gkrellm? try putting 'gkrellm -w &'. That'll put it on the bottom right hand side of your screen.

Here is a copy of my .xinitrc:

The toolwait is specific to the OpenLook window manager, but you
should be able to replace that with "exec"

The -geometry option is the key to placing things where you want. This
is supposed to work with any program that was written to the X API.

e.g.:
xterm -geometry 1000x1000+0+0

man X

search for geometry. . .

In some apps --geometry flag is called just -g
Read the man page for the app, here's a part of my xinitrc to give you an idea:
exec bbkeys &
#b Esetroot /Files/Pics/blackspace1024l.gif &
exec root-tail -g 85x8+500+0 /var/log/messages,green /var/log/syslog,yellow /var/log/secure,red &
# exec colortail -k /home/nskl/.colortail/conf.kernel /var/log/messages -f -g 75x10+500+0 &
exec gkrellm &
exec xscreensaver -no-splash &
exec rox -p --pinboard=PIN &
# exec blackbox
exec fluxbox
HTH
-NSKL