You can find what is the X-server by doing 'man xserver' or by visiting this website: http://www.xfree86.org/current/Xserver.1.html. In a nutshell, the X-server takes care of handling all the graphics and windows of your desktop environment. For example, KDE & GNOME are desktop environments which use the XServer's functions and routines to display the windows.
If you are requested to boot to a VGA console, this actually means to boot in text-based mode. As you may know, in the early days there were no graphics, and Linux used to be *ONLY* text based - you have to pass commands through the shell - you have no windows or graphics. Mind you, many nowadays servers use text-based Linux to free load from the processor. By default, nowadays distributions log you into graphics mode (also known as run level 5). However, you can switch your session to VGA text mode by issuing the command "init 3" (This tells the kernel to pass to run level 3). If you reboot, however, you will be placed back to graphics mode. Probably this is what you need - to just go into text mode for that particular session only. If you need, on the other hand, to permanently stay in text mode, you have to edit the /etc/inittab file and replace the id:5:initdefault (i.e. the default running level is 5 i.e. graphics mode) by id:3:initdefault and then reconfigure the X-server in text mode. For more tips, you can always checkout my weblog. Regards, James. -- ___ __ | \ \ /| ___|_ | Linux user #324517 | _ \ | \/ | _| / james.myweblog.com |__|_/ _\_|_||_| ___|___| .:. aka MadviP .:. > Hello I would like to know what exactly is the X Server and what is its > function. As I understand it it is a very important component of Linux and > would like further information on it. This though is only for general > knowledge, I need to install my graphics card driver and in the readme I > found this: > > ______________________________________________________________ > > BEFORE YOU BEGIN DRIVER INSTALLATION > > Before beginning the driver installation, you should exit the X server. > In addition you should set your default run level so you will boot to a > vga console and not boot directly into X (please consult the documentation > that came with your Linux distribution if you are unsure how to do this; > this is normally done by modifying your /etc/inittab file). > ______________________________________________________________ > > How do I do that instructed above exactly? > > I hope some of you could be of help. > > _________________________________________________________________ > Add photos to your e-mail with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*. > http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail > > _______________________________________________ > MLUG-list mailing list > MLUG-list@linux.org.mt > http://mailserv.megabyte.net/mailman/listinfo/mlug-list >
