Chapter 18. X (Topic 2.10)

Unix has a long history of utility that predates the popular demand for a graphical user interface (GUI). However, a GUI is an essential part of running small systems today, and the standard GUI on Linux systems is the X Window System, or more simply, X. Originally developed at MIT and Digital Equipment Corporation, X's current release is Version 11 Release 6. This version is more commonly referred to as X11R6, or just X11. X is a complete windowing GUI and is distributable under license without cost. The implementation of X for Linux is XFree86 (http://www.xfree.org/), which is available for multiple computer architectures and is released under the GNU Public License. This section covers these four Objectives on XFree86 for LPI Exam 102:

Objective 1: Install and Configure XFree86

Most distributions install XFree86 when Linux is installed, but a number of the configuration details are important for Exam 102. This Objective covers X servers, fonts, and automated XFree86 configuration tools. Weight: 4.

Objective 2: Set Up xdm

This Objective covers the X display manager, a graphical login system. Weight: 1.

Objective 3: Identify and Terminate Runaway X Applications

Sometimes an X application becomes unresponsive or fails to terminate normally. This Objective mentions methods to cope with these situations. Weight: 1

Objective 4: Install and Customize a Window Manager Environment

This Objective covers the selection and customization of X window managers, including menus, X terminals, X library issues, and a number of control files. Weight: 4.