KDE Frequently Asked Questions
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# Chapter 14. Not really KDE-related, but frequently asked nevertheless :-)

14.1. How do I change the screen resolution?
14.2. How do I change the color depth?
14.3. What can I do if I am using a 2-button mouse?
14.4. What is a "sticky" window?
14.5. How do I replace the "X" mouse pointer with an arrow?
14.6. How do I extract/install diff files?
14.7. How do I get Linux® to mount the floppy device both in dos and ext2 floppies?
14.8. How do I start KDE with the Num Lock on?
14.9. How do I take window or desktop screenshots?
14.10. Is there a tool to make webpages?
14.11. What do all those acronyms like AFAIK mean?

14.1. How do I change the screen resolution?

Use Ctrl+Alt++ and Ctrl+Alt+- to cycle among the resolutions you have defined in `XF86Config` (maybe under `/etc/X11`; poke around first). If you prefer to get your hands dirty, you can always edit the file directly. By placing your favorite resolution at the beginning (or making it the only one listed), the X Window System™ will always start up with that resolution.

| Always make a backup copy of your `XF86Config` file before you start editing it. Errors in this file can render your X Window System™ unusable.

| These instructions are only valid if you are running version 3.3.x of the XFree86 server. If you are running XFree86 4.x, you must consult with the XFree86(TM): Home Page.

14.2. How do I change the color depth?

AFAIK, there is no way you can do it on the fly. You can either start the X Window System™ using startx `-bpp `number`` where `number` can be 8, 16, 24, or 32 depending on the depth you want, or if you are using xdm/kdm, you have to edit `/etc/X11/xdm/Xservers` (may vary) by putting `:0 local /usr/X11R6/bin/X -bpp 16` for color depth 16.

Alternatively, you can edit the `XF86Config` file and add a line like `DefaultColorDepth `number`` to Section "Screen". The next time you start X, it will run with the newly-configured color depth.

14.3. What can I do if I am using a 2-button mouse?

Go buy a 3-button one, or use third button emulation. The third button is emulated by pressing both the left mouse button and the right mouse button together. You would need to enable `Emulate3Buttons` in your `XF86Config` file.

14.4. What is a "sticky" window?

In a virtual desktop environment with multiple virtual desktops, a "sticky" window will stay put on the screen when you switch between desktops, as if sticking to the glass of the screen. Xclock is a typical candidate for sticking, as you need to run only one instance of it, and it always stays with you.

14.5. How do I replace the "X" mouse pointer with an arrow?

The various types of cursor available in X are defined in `X11/cursorfont.h`. You can change it using xsetroot -cursor_name `name_of_cursor`. For example, I have the following in my `.Xclients`:

     xsetroot -cursor_name left_ptr

This will create the common left-angled pointer. To see other alternatives, type xfd -fn cursor. And of course, do not forget that man xsetroot is your friend.

14.6. How do I extract/install diff files?

To generate a context-diff suitable for patching, use diff `old-file new-file` > `patchfile`. To apply the diff to a file (i.e. "patch the file"), execute patch < `patchfile`.

14.7. How do I get Linux® to mount the floppy device both in dos and ext2 floppies?

Just specify the filesystem type as auto in `/etc/fstab`. Auto detection works fine for dos and ext2.

14.8. How do I start KDE with the Num Lock on?

Have you tried man setleds? In addition, you might want to edit your `$`HOME`/.Xmodmap` and put the following lines in:

     ! redefines numeric keypad to be used without NumLock
     keycode 79 = 7
     keycode 80 = 8
     keycode 81 = 9

     keycode 83 = 4
     keycode 84 = 5
     keycode 85 = 6

     keycode 87 = 1
     keycode 88 = 2
     keycode 89 = 3

     keycode 90 = 0
     keycode 91 = comma
     keycode 86 = plus

     ! deactivates NumLock key
     keycode 77 =

Other possible alternatives:

- xkeycaps: right clicking should allow edits. May have to do this as root.

- man XF86Config and look under section Keyboard.

- Install NumLockX which is available from http://dforce.sh.cvut.cz/~seli/en/numlockx.

14.9. How do I take window or desktop screenshots?

Use KSnapshot.

14.10. Is there a tool to make webpages?

Yes, and there are a lot of them out there, including StarOffice, Netscape® Composer, and XEmacs. There are also many KDE applications. To find the most current list, go to APPS.KDE.com: The Latest in KDE Applications and search for web development. Try as many as possible and choose the one most suitable to your needs.

14.11. What do all those acronyms like AFAIK mean?

     AAMOF: as a matter of fact
     AFAIK: as far as I know
     AISE: as I see it
     BFN: bye for now
     BION: believe it or not
     BRB: be right back
     BTW: by the way
     CMIIW: correct me if I am wrong
     FUD: fear, uncertainty, and doubt
     FWIW: for what it's worth
     FYI: for your information
     HTH: hope this helps
     IIRC: if I recall correctly
     IMHO: in my humble opinion
     LOL: laughing out loud
     MYOB: mind your own business
     PITA: pain in the ass
     ROTFL: rolling on the floor laughing
     RTFM: read the fine manual
     SOP: standard operating procedure
     TIA: thanks in advance
     YMMV: your mileage may vary

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