Chapter 5. The X Window System

Table of Contents
5.1. Synopsis
5.2. Terminology
5.3. Installing Xorg
5.4. Xorg Configuration
5.5. Using Fonts in Xorg
5.6. The X Display Manager
5.7. Desktop Environments
5.8. Installing Compiz Fusion
5.9. Troubleshooting

5.1. Synopsis

An installation of FreeBSD using bsdinstall does not automatically install a graphical user interface. This chapter describes how to install and configure Xorg, which provides the open source X Window System used to provide a graphical environment. It then describes how to find and install a desktop environment or window manager.

Note:

Users who prefer an installation method that automatically configures the Xorg and offers a choice of window managers during installation should refer to the http://www.trueos.org/ website.

For more information on the video hardware that Xorg supports, refer to the x.org website.

After reading this chapter, you will know:

  • The various components of the X Window System, and how they interoperate.

  • How to install and configure Xorg.

  • How to install and configure several window managers and desktop environments.

  • How to use TrueType® fonts in Xorg.

  • How to set up your system for graphical logins (XDM).

Before reading this chapter, you should:

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