Need to edit XF86config, but can't

[qbasic92]

Someone please help! I'm very new to Linux (been using it for 3 days). After installing the two nVidia driver files, the next step is to modify the text in XF86config. I tried using kedit, but it keeps saying "cannot connect to X server." I have no clue how to connect to the X server (sorry for the ignorance). The next thing I tried was to startX, but my display flashes a few times, then I'm returned to the console with a bunch of error messages and warnings about XF86config. I can't figure out how to modify the file from the console using kedit. How can I get around this? Someone please help!

[Arthur]

Sounds like you need an editor that runs in the console. Since you don't have X running yet, you can't run kedit (or any other x-windows editor). That is what can't connect to the X-Server.

You got two choices, point kedit to a machine that does have X running. Or use a console based editor.

Since your new, I'll give you a quick run down on 'vi' - my favourite console editor.

run it like so:
$ vi /etc/X11/XF86Config-4

Vi work in two mode, editing mode (where you type into the file), and command mode where it accepts key commands. Press 'i' (for insert) to go into edit mode. Use cursors and whatnot to edit stuff. Press esc to leave editing mode.

To write the changes type
:w <return>

To quit type
:q <return>

When done type startx to see if you can get X running. If not you'll have to go through the stuff it prints out.

Hope that helps,

Arthur

[hapena]

You can use Midnight commander(mc) if installed
or use vi.
The best way for you to get a running X will be xf86cfg, SAX (if you have Suse), to setup the XF86Config-file to get your server running.
The autodetection from the utils are quite well finding the installed hardware and monitors, so it should be no problem if you can use them.

[qbasic92]

Thankyou everybody for your support! After tinkering around with XFdrake for a little while, I reverted back to the standard display adapter that came with Mandrake 9.0 and started x, then I thought that I would need to change the XFconfig file, go back to console and reinstall the drivers, but upon x server bootup I saw the nVidia logo, and everything just worked! Thanks again! Now I just need to get some good games ;) Any suggestions?

[bwkaz]

Originally posted by hapena
The best way for you to get a running X will be xf86cfg, SAX (if you have Suse), to setup the XF86Config-file to get your server running. Just a note for anyone in the future that may read this thread, I have had LOTS of problems with distro-installed tools doing my XF86Config-4 editing for me. None of them that I've ever tried (XFdrake included, but Mandrake 9's might be better now) have ever understood how to properly install the nVidia drivers. I think you'd be doing yourself a favor to not trust them either, from what I've seen.

Although if XFdrake seems to have worked, then maybe some of these tools are finally starting to get it right. *shrug* Whatever.

[Anthaus]

Originally posted by qbasic92
Now I just need to get some good games ;) Any suggestions?

w00t! Glad you asked!
Unreal Tournament 2003 has the linux installer on disk 3. It only works with nvidia cards (but you already sorted that obstacle :D )

Quake 3 Arena, Unreal Torunament, Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Neverwinter Nights (soon) and Doom 3 (Carmack says it's a matter of time) have native linux support.

Check out www.tuxgames.com for more games or just keep askin'!

[bwkaz]

There's also TuxRacer. It's a bit old (I haven't seen any updates to it in quite some time, probably since they went commercial on it), but the freely-available version (the one that's probably on your distro's CDs) is still pretty.

LBreakout2 is also cool, if you like single-player pong-type games.

[Anthaus]

Chromium is quite kewl as well.
;)