SuSE Linux: Versions since 6.3
XFree86: Versions since 2.2.0
Before the Linux kernel switches to 32 bit protected mode a BIOS call is made to switch to the desired video (graphic) mode. This graphic mode remains unchanged as long as linux is running.
To use the framebuffer console, you will need kernel support for the so called framebuffer device. If you like to use the framebuffer X-Server (you'll need it if your video adapter is not supported otherwise) you must also install a package from the CD.
If you´re using SuSE Linux 6.3 or above, there is no need to recompile your kernel, because the VESA framebuffer support is already compiled in the standard kernel.
Resolution in pixels Color depth | 640x480 800x600 1024x768 1280x1024 -----------------+------------------------------------- 256 (8bit)| 769 771 773 775 32000 (15bit)| 784 787 790 793 65000 (16bit)| 785 788 791 794 16.7 Mill.(24bit)| 786 789 792 795To achive a resolution of 1024x768 pixel at 16 bit color depth you should enter the LILO boot parameter as follows:
linux vga=791Please note, that it is possible that your video card doesn't support all resolution and/or color depths.
sax -s fbdevIf you start with sax -s vga16 then choose "!!!Generic Server Selection!!!" as your video card and "FRAMEBUFFER" as model type. Choose the same resolution and color depth like the parameters you gave starting Linux, when you have to determine the monitor settings.
mv /etc/XF86Config /etc/XF86Config.backup
# start of file /etc/XF86Config Section "Files" RgbPath "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/rgb" FontPath "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/75dpi:unscaled" FontPath "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/100dpi:unscaled" FontPath "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/Type1" FontPath "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/URW" FontPath "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/Speedo" FontPath "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/misc" FontPath "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/75dpi" FontPath "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/100dpi" FontPath "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/misc:unscaled" EndSection Section "ServerFlags" AllowMouseOpenFail EndSection Section "Module" EndSection # This section is no longer supported # See a template below # Section "XInput" # EndSection Section "Keyboard" Protocol "Standard" XkbRules "xfree86" XkbModel "pc104" XkbLayout "de" XkbVariant "nodeadkeys" EndSection Section "Pointer" Protocol "PS/2" Device "/dev/psaux" SampleRate 60 BaudRate 1200 EndSection Section "Monitor" Identifier "Primary-Monitor" EndSection Section "Device" Identifier "fbdev" VendorName "x" BoardName "y" EndSection Section "Screen" Driver "fbdev" Device "fbdev" Monitor "Primary-Monitor" SubSection "Display" Depth 32 Modes "default" EndSubSection SubSection "Display" Depth 24 Modes "default" EndSubSection SubSection "Display" Depth 16 Modes "default" EndSubSection SubSection "Display" Depth 15 Modes "default" EndSubSection SubSection "Display" Depth 8 Modes "default" EndSubSection EndSection # End of file /etc/XF86Config
XF86_FBDev -bpp 16The option `-bpp 16' selects a color depth of 16 bit. The color depth selected by this option must be the same as the one selected on startup of Linux via the vga option. Otherwise the X-Server won't start and you will get an error message stating an `invalid argument'. After successfull start of X you'll see the typical rastered X background with a `X' in the middle of the screen. Please try to move the `X' with the mouse. If everything works now, please quit the running X Server with ALT+CTRL+BACKSPACE.
ln -s /usr/X11R6/bin/XF86_FBDev /var/X11R6/bin/X
startx -- -bpp 16