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by johnco

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I just installed Linux on one of the systems at school so that I can begin
learning how to use it (Mandrake 7.1). After I logon and then I issue the
command "startx" and the KDE desktop comes up, the monitor begins blinking
off and on intermittently. It seems most often to blank when I move the
mouse. I replaced the PS2 mouse with a serial mouse, and nothing changed.
The monitor and video card are both fine, and the problem goes away when I
logout.

I know almost nothing about this OS, so I don't have a clue what to look for
or try. Any possible suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated :-)

5 replies

by rob wolfe

I would suggest that perhaps Xwindows isnt properly configured. You have two choices.

1) try running just from a terminal session for a while. Learn the basics of the way the OS works from the command line.

2) run XConfigurator (spelling is possibly incorrect). This will (oddly enough) set up the config files for X so that it should be a little more stable. Pay special attention to when it tries to find your mouse and when you set your refresh rates. It isnt very difficult, just might be a good idea to have your manual for your monitor handy to get the refresh rates. If in doubt use very conservative numbers (lower)

by rob wolfe

One would think that was the case but...

One thing that I think you are doing that is a major mistake (just my opinion) is running any of the X configuration tools from inside the GUI. I never try to do anything funky with X unless I am nice and safe in Runlevel 3 with X not running. It might just be my paranoia from the bad old days but ...

Is it picking up your graphics card properly too? you mentioned the monitor...

Also what version of XFree86 is it you are running (that is what is running isnt it) if it is 4.xx it is possibly that your card isnt really supported and that is what the real problem is. you can check the compatibility list at www.XFree86.org.

by johnco

The strange thing here is that when I run XConfig (from the GUI) my exact monitor (name and model number) is listed. So I was assuming that the refresh rate and relolution would be correct.???

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