X settings for other computers


Forum: X and Fluxbox
Topic: X settings for other computers
started by: lovdsl

Posted by lovdsl on Aug. 20 2006,17:34
Hi everyone

this seems like the best place for this.

I installed dsl 2.4 to a lexar jump drive via live cd tool -install to pen-hdd on acer aspire t135 w/built in vid & snd, 750+meg ram.
Added several extensions to cdrom dir and installed via my dsl and saved settings via backup restore sda1. Added directories to cdrom dir for storage( mp3, pdf, pics, )...all works well. I have to find a modem so interm wanted to test portability to other machines.

tested on aopen pent.3 tower with 128 meg ram and two usb ports. Plug in pen and booted via usb boot floppy.

thought the video may be issue but let boot. X was messed up..at boot used dsl vga=normal then all dsl vga=7xx and still X is messed up...

thinking it is restoreing settings for my machine as the boot process is readable on several settings. but X is messed up. can see it has loaded but totally unfunctional.

How do I change settings on other computers and not lose my settings so when I boot on my machine all is as should be.

any help appreciated. Thanks

Posted by mikshaw on Aug. 21 2006,05:32
What I'd do is make a copy of /home/dsl/.xserverrc (left in /home/dsl so it will be backed up), and then run xsetup.  If your new settings work, you'll have two versions of .xserverrc, one for each machine.
Posted by lovdsl on Aug. 21 2006,06:05
Thanks mikshaw..will give it a try...

I had booted xsetup but finally got a clue and booted dsl vga=normal dsl xsetup...this combo worked and I discovered that this machine only does 640*480 so does not look as great as on mine but YAH it works

also accepted his usb optical mouse which does not work on win98..cool

when I got home and booted.. it was again messed so had to run xsetup..hope the copy works to solve this

read something about newer version was better at 640..or was that just dillo start...anyway

thanks again mikshaw

ps how would I restore two?

Posted by mikshaw on Aug. 21 2006,13:54
You'd probably have to rename them both to something other than .xserverrc in order to keep them from being overwritten.

I've never messed around with this particular issue, but i have (and currently do) juggle various config files depending on the current environment.  Unless you happen to get together a script that will check and compare hardware when you boot, choosing the appropriate file automatically (not sure how easy or reliable that is), you will most likely always have to do something consciously in order to pick one or the other.
The question might be is it worth he trouble just to avoid answering a few questions from xsetup each time. If it were me, I'd say "yes" and proceed to write a script in which the appropriate .xserverrc is linked according to what startx command was given.....but that's just me....

Posted by lovdsl on Aug. 21 2006,15:28
Thanks mikshaw..but I do not think I am so clever..

.I did copy xservrc to cdrom and after changeing for other computer when back home copied  back and restarted x...this is as much work really as just doing xsetup.....as you say ...if I were clever I would find a way to store it so useing xsetup on other machines would not alter dsl restore-sda1 for my machine..

non the less I am pleased that I can be portable..just need the routine now that I understand a little more.

thanks

Posted by mikshaw on Aug. 21 2006,17:55
One thing you can do is set up two mydsl directories and put a mydsl extension in each, containing only the one .xserverrc file.
Then you can set up two entries for your bootloader, using a different "mydsl=" option for each (or enter a location at the boot prompt if using a liveCD).

Something to consider when doing this....
If you load other mydsl extensions automatically, you'll probably want to symlink those into both mydsl directories.  Use relative paths just in case DSL sees the device differently on different machines.

Posted by lovdsl on Aug. 21 2006,23:56
Well... that should keep me busy for awhile...and I better wear a muzzle...but as you said xsetup is the easier path ......thanks for the great project ideas
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