How to make an xorg.conf file

I just installed Ubuntu 12.10 and I need to make a custom xorg.conf file. By default, there is not an xorg.conf file on my system. I know what I need to write in the config, but I just don't know how to make X load it...

Should I put my custom commands in a file that already exists? Where is it? Should I make my own xorg.conf file and put it in /etc/X11?

3 Answers

If you would want full and proper xorg.conf file (tested on Ubuntu 12.10):

1. Switch to console mode: Ctrl+Alt+F1

2. Kill x server:

   sudo service lightdm stop

3. Generate new xorg.conf file:

   sudo X -configure

   This will create xorg.conf.new file in your current directory.

4. Rename and move:

   sudo mv xorg.conf.new /etc/X11/xorg.conf

5. Return to GUI:

   sudo start lightdm

taken from Linux Mint forums (go to point 3. In Mint, xorg.conf is not present by default...)

3

For Nvidia based cards I suggest to install the binary driver from the repositories and then run nvidia-xconfig. It will create a fishbone with basic configuration. Similar commands for other binary drivers may exist.

If there isn't, just start by creating the file and enter your settings.

All configuration not set will X find by itself. It has a lot of heuristic, but yes, it may be hard to find the right setting keywords and values in order to tweak everything to your needs.

1

Figured it out. It's as simple as making a file called "xorg.conf" and putting it in "/etc/X11/". I guess I thought that seemed too simple :P

X will read the config file and try to accept your statements. It will then auto config anything you don't explicitly say.

1

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