README for XFree86® 4.6.0 on NetBSD : Running X
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6. Running X

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.

6.1. Starting Xdm, the display manager

To start the display manager, log in as root on the console and type: ``xdm -nodaemon''.

You can start xdm automatically on bootup by changing the line

xdm=NO			xdm_flags=""            # x11 display manager
to:
xdm=YES			xdm_flags=""            # x11 display manager
in /etc/rc.conf.

Under NetBSD 1.4 and later with the wscons console driver, you must enable a virtual console for the X server first. To do this follow these steps:

(Thanks to Mason Loring Bliss <mason@acheron.middleboro.ma.us> for this explanation)

Note that the binary distributions of XFree86 for NetBSD don't include support for the XDM-AUTHORIZATION-1 protocol.


README for XFree86® 4.6.0 on NetBSD : Running X
Previous: Configuring X for Your Hardware
Next: Kernel Support for X