why isnt there a default xorg.conf to begin with?
because each user's system varies too much. A universal or default config would be near impossible to achieve. Some distros automatically generate a config for you but, Arch will not because it stands by the philosophy of allowing user control while keeping it simple (KISS) from too much manual configuration.
In addition to Meshuggin's suggestion, there's also
xorgcfg -textmodem, which I find very simple and user friendly
thanks penguin, this is what i needed. loving arch linux, makes you learn! by the way, why isnt there a default xorg.conf to begin with?
If there isn't, you should execute xorgconfig
]]>does startx return with errors? If so, your xorg config is probably wrong. You can install hwd (pacman -Sy hwd) and run hwd -x to generate a sample. You'll just have to rename it to xorg.conf in /etc/x11/.
thanks penguin, this is what i needed. loving arch linux, makes you learn! by the way, why isnt there a default xorg.conf to begin with?
]]>Turns out it was actually that my $HOME directory was missing proper .xinitrc and .xsession files.
]]>I'm using fluxbox as my GUI. Is using kdm or gdm going to affect that?
Also, I tried gdm and kdm. Both just boot straight to the runlevel 3 login screen. I'm thinking maybe I don't have them installed?
Adding gdm or kdm to /etc/rc.conf (DAEMONS) you'll be ok, also if you're using fluxbox with gdm, you need add fluxbox.desktop to /etc/X11/sessions
fluxbox.desktop
[Desktop Entry]
Encoding=UTF-8
Type=XSession
Exec=/usr/bin/startfluxbox
Name=Fluxbox
If you want xdm to look prettier, have a look at this.
]]>Also, I tried gdm and kdm. Both just boot straight to the runlevel 3 login screen. I'm thinking maybe I don't have them installed?
]]>If you want to stick with xdm, it seems to me that the way to go is to look at the scripts at /etc/X11/xdm . I believe that it starts off with Xsession which calls $/.xsession, where you can exec your favourite window manager or dekstop environment.
]]>