README for XFree86 3.3.1 on NetBSD : Kernel Support for X
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7. Kernel Support for X

To make sure X support is enabled under NetBSD, the following line must be in your config file in /sys/arch/i386/conf:

options XSERVER, UCONSOLE

The server supports the two standard NetBSD/i386 console drivers: pccons and pcvt. They are detected at runtime and no configuration of the server itself is required.

The pccons driver is the most widely tested and is the console driver contained in the NetBSD binary distribution's kernels.

The pcvt console driver is bundled with NetBSD. The pcvt X mode is compatible with the pccons driver X mode. It offers several virtual consoles and international keyboard support. In order to use this driver, change the line:

device pc0 at isa? port "IO_KBD" irq 1

to

device vt0 at isa? port "IO_KBD" irq 1

in your kernel config file, and rebuild and install your kernel.

When not using XKB, the server can read the actual keymap from the keyboard driver and use to build the X keymap. Be sure to use ``RightAlt ModeShift'' in XF86Config to have the right Alt key behave as AltGr.

Syscons and codrv are not bundled with NetBSD. They are available by anonymous FTP from a number of sites. They are not supported by the XFree86 binary distribution anymore. You can compile support for them by adding -DSYSCONS_SUPPORT or -DCODRV_SUPPORT to XFree86ConsoleDefines in xf86site.def. See the section Console drivers for details.

If using pccons you get the message:

> Fatal server error:
> xf86OpenConsole: CONSOLE_X_MODE_OFF failed (Inappropriate ioctl for device)
> Was expecting pccons driver with X support
> Check your kernel's console driver configuration and /dev entries
> 

then delete /dev/ttyv0. I don't know why ``MAKEDEV'' move /dev/ttyqf to /dev/ttyv0. (from Hung-Chi Chu hcchu@r350.ee.ntu.edu.tw)

7.1. Aperture Driver

7.2. MIT-SHM


README for XFree86 3.3.1 on NetBSD : Kernel Support for X
Previous: Running X
Next: Aperture Driver