X Window System basics

If you use or manage Unix workstations at Indiana University, you can obtain documentation and support for the X Window System from UITS at:

The Linux Documentation Project's X Window User HOWTO document is a good introduction to using the X Window System. While it particularly emphasizes the Linux operating system and the XFree86 implementation of the X Window System (see below), most of its contents apply to all implementations.

This document is available at the following locations:

The comp.windows.x.apps FAQ is a regularly updated FAQ describing different types of software available for the X Window System. It is available at:

Finally, you can find a nearly exhaustive list of links to sites providing help with the X Window System at:

XFree86 and Xorg

If you are installing the X Window System on a computer with the Linux operating system, you're probably using XFree86 (or more likely its fork, Xorg), a particular implementation of the X Window System that was originally developed for Intel-compatible PCs. Most of the conf file syntax between XFree86 and Xorg is identical. If you are using XFree86 or Xorg, you may find these other documents useful.

Warning: Incorrectly installing XFree86 can permanently damage a monitor, rendering it unusable. Pay very close attention to the configuration instructions that come with the operating system you are installing, and to the advice in the following documents.

• The Xorg main site: http://wiki.x.org/wiki/
• The XFree86 FAQ: http://www.xfree86.org/
• The Linux XFree86 HOWTO document: http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/XWindow-User-HOWTO.html
• The Linux XFree86-Video-Timings HOWTO: http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/XFree86-Video-Timings-HOWTO/

At Indiana University, to get support for personal or departmental Linux or Unix systems, see At IU, how do I get support for Linux or Unix?

Also see:

• In the X Window System, how do I properly display graphics on my workstation when running mathematical software on a different system?
• What is the X Window System?
• In the X Window System, what is a window manager, and how do I find out which ones are available?
• Why does my X Window System application fail with the message "Cannot open display"?
• Introduction to Unix commands
• Where can I find descriptions of the computing labs at IU?