Chapter 27. The X Window System

Contents

27.1. X11 Setup with SaX2
27.2. Optimizing the X Configuration
27.3. Installing and Configuring Fonts
27.4. OpenGL—3D Configuration

Abstract

The X Window System (X11) is the de facto standard for graphical user interfaces in UNIX. X is network-based, enabling applications started on one host to be displayed on another host connected over any kind of network (LAN or Internet). This chapter describes the setup and optimization of the X Window System environment, provides background information about the use of fonts in SUSE® Linux Enterprise, and explains the configuration of OpenGL and 3D.

The following text contains several references to documentation that can be found below /usr/share/doc/packages/Xorg and /usr/share/doc/howto/en. This material along with respective manual pages is available only if the appropriate documentation packages are installed (xorg-x11-doc, xorg-x11-man, and howtoenh).

[Tip]IBM System z: Configuring the Graphical User Interface

IBM System z do not have any input and output devices supported by X.Org. Therefore, none of the configuration procedures described in this section apply. More relevant information for IBM System z can be found in Section 7.6, “Network Devices”.

27.1. X11 Setup with SaX2

The graphical user interface, or X server, handles the communication between hardware and software. Desktops, like KDE and GNOME, and the wide variety of window managers, use the X server for interaction with the user. The graphical user interface is initially configured during installation. To change the settings afterwards, use the respective module from the YaST control center or run SaX2 manually from the command line with the command sax2. The SaX2 main window provides a common interface for the individual modules from the YaST control center.

Figure 27.1. The Main Window of SaX2

The Main Window of SaX2

In the left navigation bar, there are six items, each of them showing the respective configuration dialog from the YaST control center. Find the sections mentioned below in Chapter 7, System Configuration with YaST.

Monitor

For a description of the monitor and graphics card configuration, see Section 7.13.1, “Card and Monitor Properties”.

Mouse

For a description of the mouse configuration in the graphical environment, see Section 7.13.2, “Mouse Properties”.

Keyboard

For a description of the keyboard configuration in the graphical environment, see Section 7.13.3, “Keyboard Properties”.

Tablet

For a description of the graphics tablet configuration, see Section 7.13.4, “Tablet Properties”.

Touchscreen

For a description of the touchscreen configuration, see Section 7.13.5, “Touchscreen Properties”.

VNC

For a description of the VNC configuration, see Section 7.13.6, “Remote Access Properties”.