Configuring XFree86: A Step-By-Step Guide : Procedure Overview
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## 1. Procedure Overview

There are two steps to getting things up and running. The first is to select the appropriate server that you will be using and set it up as the default server. The second step is to set up the `XF86Config` file. This file is used to configure the server for your pointer device (e.g. mouse, trackball), video card, and monitor, as well as a few other things.

The `XF86Config` file contains several sections; these procedures will lead you through filling out each part. There is a default/sample `XF86Config` file in `/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/XF86Config.sample`; you should copy this to `/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/XF86Config`, and edit that file to your specific configuration. The XF86Config(4/5) manual page describes the `XF86Config` file contents and options in detail. Be sure to read through that manual page as you fill in your `XF86Config` file.

The sections of the `XF86Config` file are:

Files

  Sets the default font and RGB paths.

Server Flags

  Sets a few general server options. Refer to the manual page to learn about these.

Keyboard

  Sets up keyboard devices, and sets a few optional parameters.

Pointer

  Sets up the pointer devices, and sets a few optional parameters.

Monitor

  Describes your monitor(s) to the server.

Graphics Device

  Describes your video hardware to the server.

Screen.

  Describes how the monitor and video hardware should be used.

Configuring XFree86: A Step-By-Step Guide : Procedure Overview
Previous: Configuring XFree86: A Step-By-Step Guide
Next: Setting Up The Correct Default Server