How do graphics in linux work!?

lewis1711 · 2009-09-26 01:53:37

After trying to get arch - a veritable "do it your f**cking self" distro - set up just so for a couple of weeks now, I have come to realse I really don't understand how gnu/linuc works at all.

For example; graphics. Now it is my understanding that graphics in linux were handled by X windows system, a sort of add-on to the main gnu/linux system. It was also my understanding that xorg.conf was the file that contained all your settings for video cards, monitors, and the like.

Yet, after being frustrated I just deleted xorg.conf, and for some reason I am here in a graphical environment. Wtf? How does it now what's going on without its config file?

Also, why is it for some drivers, like fglrx, you have to load them as a module, where as for others, like xf8-radeonhd, you only have to specify them in xorg.conf, where they will (sometimes) be recognised.

Sorry if this seems like a specific request for help, it really isn't, I just want to understand how things work in linux because despite weeks of google trawling and the like, I really have little understanding of how the system works.

Last edited by lewis1711 (2009-09-26 01:54:10)

ngoonee · 2009-09-26 02:19:41

You need to read more.

Relatively recent Xorg versions have been trying to do away with xorg.conf in favour of auto-detection. I still use one, and if it doesn't work for you its either a) a bug, or b) a mis-configuration. Honestly, its most likely the latter, but if you ask a direct question here (the forums, not this thread) someone will help you out.

When you specify xf86-radeonhd it IS loading a module, so what's the difference? Unless you're doing a static kernel (unlikely, given the topics you're asking about), just about everything you'd care about is loaded as a module. Try 'lsmod' to see just how many modules you have running, all automatically (just about).

Again, you should read more, and ask more pointed questions then "how does the entire graphics stack work?". I'd point you to some overview page, but I forgot where I read about this myself...

lewis1711 · 2009-09-26 02:37:39

ngoonee wrote:

You need to read more.

Yes I probably do. Part of the reason I wrote this actually. Any suggestions that aren't a painfully written and out of date wiki article?

ngoonee wrote:

When you specify xf86-radeonhd it IS loading a module, so what's the difference?

Interesting. How do I find out it's module name? It's not the same as the package name.

ngoonee wrote:

Again, you should read more, and ask more pointed questions then "how does the entire graphics stack work?".

I'd like to ask more pointed questions but I need an overview first:)

ngoonee · 2009-09-26 02:44:39

See, you need to decide what is important to you. Is it getting things working, or understanding WHY things are/aren't working?

If its the former, then you need a new thread. If its the latter...

Graphics is primarily handled by XOrg (by graphics I assume you mean higher level than the standard framebuffer). Its a server, sort of an abstraction layer for graphical applications to be able to talk to the hardware. The graphics modules allow communication with specific hardware, and your window manager normally sits between your app and the xorg-server.

Now go find something to read . Feel free to ignore any/all of the above, I am not a dev in xorg, this is just my working knowledge and results from my own reading.

Arch Linux

#1 2009-09-26 01:53:37

How do graphics in linux work!?

#2 2009-09-26 02:19:41

Re: How do graphics in linux work!?

#3 2009-09-26 02:37:39

Re: How do graphics in linux work!?

#4 2009-09-26 02:44:39

Re: How do graphics in linux work!?

Board footer