README for XFree86 on FreeBSD : Running X
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## 5. Running X

8mb of memory is a recommended minimum for running X. The server, window manager, display manager and an xterm take about 8Mb of virtual memory themselves. Even if their resident set size is smaller, on a 8Mb system that leaves very space for other applications such as gcc that expect a few meg free. The R6 X servers may work with 4Mb of memory, but in practice compilation while running X can take 5 or 10 times as long due to constant paging.

The easiest way for new users to start X windows is to type ```startx >& startx.log`''. Error messages are lost unless you redirect them because the server takes over the screen.

To get out of X windows, type: ```exit`'' in the console xterm. You can customize your X by creating `.xinitrc`, `.xserverrc`, and `.twmrc` files in your home directory as described in the xinit and startx man pages.

README for XFree86 on FreeBSD : Running X
Previous: Configuring X for Your Hardware
Next: Rebuilding Kernels for X