Configuring Xfree86/X.org By Editing Config Files - HP xw3400 User Manual

If the Xserver does not start, the old X configuration file should be put back in place (e.g., cp
/etc/X11/XF86Config.vizconfig.sav /etc/X11/XF86Config). Diagnose the problem by looking at
/var/log/Xfree86.0.log or /var/log/Xorg.0.log.
Once a vizconfig-generated config file is in place, vizconfig will use the settings from that config file
as the starting point the next time vizconfig is run. This is based on several comment fields at the
beginning of the X configuration file. That is, it will remember the display arrangement and the
display resolutions, etc.
The vizconfig tool does not setup every possible multi-card configuration possible. Instead, it attempts
to meet the most common needs of workstation customers. If a configuration is desired that is slightly
different than the supported vizconfig configurations, you can use vizconfig to setup the closest
configuration and then make minor edits to the X configuration file to get the desired result.
Note: When re-running vizconfig, manual edits of the config file will not be remembered and must
be re-applied.
When using the highest resolution (2560x1600) on a high-res monitor such as the Apple 30 inch
Cinema display, more advanced graphics cards are needed. These include the NVIDIA Quadro FX
3450 or the FX 4500 which have 1-2 dual-link DVI connectors. Your display may also need to have a
modified Modeline in the X configuration file if it is not a supported HP monitor. See the
documentation in /usr/share/doc/NVIDIA_GLX-1.0 directory for more configuration info.

Configuring XFree86/X.org by Editing Config Files

On Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 and beyond, the X.org version of the X server replaces the older
Xfree86 version. To ease the transition, the X.org X server will look for configuration files in all the old
Xfree86 locations. The X.org versions of the files are referenced below for completeness.
Graphics vendors provide detailed information of how to edit and configure the Xserver when using
their hardware. Examples include the documentation found in the /usr/share/doc/NVIDIA_GLX-1.0
directory for NVIDIA info.
On a Linux workstation, the default XFree86/X.org X server configuration file resides at:
/etc/X11/XF86Config or /etc/X11/xorg.conf
Users can configure multiple files and start X with an alternative file through the command:
/usr/X11R6/bin/XFree86 -xf86config /etc/X11/XF86Config.xinerama
Each file contains a complete description of X server's execution environment including monitor
descriptions and timings, graphics drivers, and continuous display settings (e.g., Xinerama). This
section covers basic concepts for configuration.
The XF86Config file is a hierarchical definition file. In cascading order of significance:
• ServerLayout section — highest level section that binds all input and output devices together for
a given session including output device "hints" that describe Screen position relationships (e.g.,
RightOf, LeftOf, Above, Below,Ö).
• Screen section — definition that binds together a Monitor and graphics card Device description
with color depth and display resolution preferences.
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