8mb of memory is a recommended minimum for running X. The server, window manager, display manager and an xterm take about 8Mb of virtual memory themselves. Even if their resident set size is smaller, on a 8Mb system that leaves very space for other applications such as gcc that expect a few meg free. The R6 X servers may work with 4Mb of memory, but in practice compilation while running X can take 5 or 10 times as long due to constant paging.
The easiest way for new users to start X windows is to type
``startx >& startx.log''. Error messages are lost unless
you redirect them because the server takes over the screen.
To get out of X windows, type: ``exit'' in the console xterm.
You can customize your X by creating .xinitrc, .xserverrc,
and .twmrc files in your home directory as described in the xinit
and startx man pages.