The K Desktop Environment

Next Previous Table of Contents

15. Not really KDE-related, but frequently asked nevertheless :-)

15.1 How do I change the screen resolution?

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

15.2 How do I change the color depth?

AFAIK, there's no way you can do it on the fly. You can either start X using:

startx -- -bpp ??
where ?? can be 8, 16, 24 or 32 depending on the depth you want, or if you're using xdm/kdm, you'd 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     ??
to Section "Screen". The next time you start X, it will run with the newly-configured color depth.

15.3 What can I do if I'm using a 2-button mouse?

Go buy a 3-button one, or use 3rd button emulation. The 3rd button is emulated by pressing both left and right buttons together. You might need to enable "Emulate3Buttons" in your XF86Config file.

15.4 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.

15.5 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 $HOME/.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, don't forget that 'man xsetroot' is your friend.

15.6 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 ("patch the file"), execute:

patch < patchfile

15.7 Should I upgrade to 2.2 kernel?

It depends. If the 2.2.x kernel provides something you really want or need that your current kernel does not, then you should upgrade.

15.8 How do I mount the floppy device both in dos and ext2?

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

15.9 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:

  1. xkeycaps: right clicking should allow edits. May have to do this as root.
  2. "man XF86Config" and look under section Keyboard.

15.10 How do I take window or desktop screenshots?

Use xv, gimp, ksnapshot, whatever.

15.11 Is there somewhere a tool to make webpages?

Yes, and there are a lot of them out there, including StarOffice, Netscape Composer, XEmacs and last but not least, WebMaker, our very own KDE web publishing tool! And by using WINE, it might be possible to run your Windows-based tool on PC Unices as well. Try as many as possible and choose the one most suitable to your needs.

15.12 Where can I find a free X server for Windows 95/98/NT?

You can try downloading MI/X from http://www.microimages.com/.

15.13 What do all those acronyms like AFAIK mean?

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

Next Previous Table of Contents