X.org
Installing X.org
Debian is in the process of changing from the XFree86 X11 Window system to the X.org X11 Window system; those using Sid/Etch should be able to switch now.
- Before starting, backup your X configuration
cp /etc/X11/XF86Config /etc/X11/XF86Config.old
- Install the X.org X server:
apt-get update apt-get install xserver-xorg
- Debconf will ask which server you wish to run, choose "xserver-xorg".
- Either reboot your PC or restart X. You may want to use deborphan to find obsolete packages.
Links
Xfree86
For this guide we are going to assume you are running Debian Sarge or later, older versions like Woody do not include support for newer 3D graphics cards. When you first install Debian you will not have any X packages by default, so to install the basic packages do:
apt-get update apt-get install x-window-system-core xserver-xfree86
This will give you the basics, such as the X server, the basic X shared libraries, the basic X fonts, and the basic X client programs. Note however that this doesn't give you GNOME/KDE/XFCE and others, see GnomeHowTo, KdeHowTo and XfceHowTo for information on installing these window managers.
You will also be asked to configure your X server after installing it. All of it is pretty much self explanatory, just make sure you know the type of video card you have and the refresh rates for your monitor (can be found in the manual you received with your monitor).
If you want to re-run the configuration program later, simply do:
dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xfree86
Debian is currently making the transition from Xfree86 to X.org, Sid users should be able to make the switch now. For more information see XorgHowTo.
3D Drivers
For NVidia video cards, see NvidiaHowTo.
For ATI video cards, see AtiHowTo.
Other
For multiple monitors, see MultiHead