2. Controlling the Graphical Configuration

Abstract

This set of tools allows you to configure your graphical display. With it you will be able to change your video card, your resolution and your monitor. It can be useful if you happen to change one of your graphical components after the initial installation.

[Tip]Tip

If you cannot boot into graphical mode and you end up in a console (command-line interface), log in as root and launch XFdrake. You will get a tool similar to the one described in Section 2.3, “Controlling All Video Parameters”, but in text mode.

The graphical configuration tools are accessible through different icons in the Mandriva Linux Control Center Hardware section.

2.1. Changing the Monitor

Figure 3.2. Choosing a New Monitor

Choosing a New Monitor

This tool allows you to change the monitor type currently in use. When you click on it a window pops up, listing many monitor models (see Figure 3.2, “Choosing a New Monitor”). If your monitor was automatically detected it will be listed as Plug'n Play along with its model.

If your monitor wasn't automatically detected, you can choose it from the list. If you don't find your monitor or a compatible one, choose one with parameters corresponding to your own monitor from the Generic entry, at the bottom.

2.2. Changing Resolution

Figure 3.3. Changing the Resolution of your Screen

Changing the Resolution of your Screen

This tool enables you to change the current screen resolution (800x600, 1024x768, etc.) and the color depth. Simply choose the one you wish to use. The monitor in the window displays what the desktop will look like with the chosen configuration (see Figure 3.3, “Changing the Resolution of your Screen”). If it looks good, click on OK.

The changes will be activated after you quit and restart your graphical environment.

By default, the available resolution list only shows resolutions supported by your video card and monitor combination. There is a special entry named Other which adds more possible resolutions along with their ratio. Bear in mind that most monitors are designed with a 4:3 horizontal vs. vertical ratio.

2.3. Controlling All Video Parameters

Figure 3.4. XFdrake Main Window

XFdrake Main Window

If you happen to change your video card after installing your system, or want to have full control over the graphic configuration, run as root, XFdrake from a console. The tool shown in Figure 3.4, “XFdrake Main Window” will be shown.

Let's look at the interface. The first three buttons allow you to change certain aspects of the graphical configuration:

Graphic Card

The button displays the name of the graphic card currently configured. If you wish to change it, just click on it. Depending on your card, different servers may be available, with or without 3D acceleration. You may need to try different ones until you get the best result.

In case you cannot find the graphic card you have, but you know which driver supports it, select it from the Xorg entry at the bottom.

Monitor

Enables you to change the monitor with the tool described in Section 2.1, “Changing the Monitor”.

Resolution

Enables you to change the pixel resolution and the color depth with the tool described in Section 2.2, “Changing Resolution”.

Then, there are more buttons:

  • Test. Click on this button to verify that your modifications actually work. It is highly recommended you do test it, because if it does not work, it will be harder to recover a working graphical environment later. If the test fails simply wait until it ends. If you are not satisfied with the suggested settings, choose No during the test, and you will be returned to XFdrake's main menu.

    [Note]Note

    Depending on your video card, video testing may not be available. You will be warned of such a situation. If it happens that the settings are incorrect and your display does not work, refer to the Troubleshooting section of the Starter Guide manual to use XFdrake's text version.

  • Options. You can choose to start the graphical server when your system boots. Answer No if you prefer to have a text login. Selecting Yes will launch the graphical login manager at boot time.

  • Quit. If you modified your graphical display in some way, the current configuration will be displayed and XFdrake will ask you whether you want to keep your changes or not. This is your last chance to go back to the old configuration. If all seems OK, click on Yes. If you wish to restore the previous parameters, click on No.

The changes will be activated after you confirm them and restart your graphical environment.