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Xorg
Xorg is an open source implementation of the X Window System.
Installation
There are many ways to get the X server in Gentoo, however a common method is to emerge one of the two packages:
- x11-base/xorg-server - Installs the necessary components for a minimally operational X server.
- x11-base/xorg-x11 - Installs a large Xorg software suite.
As seen from the descriptions above, those who desire a more minimal X server implementation should choose the first package.
USE flags
xorg-server
USE flags for x11-base/xorg-server X.Org X servers
+elogind
|
Use elogind to get control over framebuffer when running as regular user |
+udev
|
Enable virtual/udev integration (device discovery, power and storage device support, etc) |
debug
|
Enable extra debug codepaths, like asserts and extra output. If you want to get meaningful backtraces see https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/Project:Quality_Assurance/Backtraces |
minimal
|
Install a very minimal build (disables, for example, plugins, fonts, most drivers, non-critical features) |
selinux
|
!!internal use only!! Security Enhanced Linux support, this must be set by the selinux profile or breakage will occur |
suid
|
Enable setuid root program(s) |
systemd
|
Enable use of systemd-specific libraries and features like socket activation or session tracking |
test
|
Enable dependencies and/or preparations necessary to run tests (usually controlled by FEATURES=test but can be toggled independently) |
unwind
|
Enable libunwind usage for backtraces |
xcsecurity
|
Build Security extension |
xephyr
|
Build the Xephyr server |
xnest
|
Build the Xnest server |
xorg
|
Build the Xorg X server (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) |
xvfb
|
Build the Xvfb server |
xorg-x11
This metapackage does not have any USE flags of its own.
The X USE flag
Many packages can be built with optional x11 support by activating the global X USE flag (if not already activated by profile selection).
Emerge
xorg-server
Just the necessary components:
root #emerge --ask x11-base/xorg-serverxorg-x11
The full Xorg suite via the meta package:
root #emerge --ask x11-base/xorg-x11Getting a working graphical environment (including popular desktops like KDE and Gnome) requires additional configuration before emerging one of these packages. See the more extensive Xorg Guide for details.
Troubleshooting
X server starts and dies unexpectedly with no errors
Problem: Running startx will start the X server, however it will immediately die without any errors (searching "EE" in /var/log/Xorg.0.log returns no related results).
Cause: an empty .xinitrc file exists for the user who is running the startx command, so the X server is starting, then stopping because there is nothing left for it to do.
Resolution: Either remove the .xinitrc file or define a window manager inside it.
Reproducible via:
user $touch ~/.xinitrcSee also
- Xorg/Guide — explains what Xorg is, how to install it, and the various configuration options.
- Xorg/Hardware 3D acceleration guide — a guide to getting 3D acceleration working using the DRM with Xorg in Gentoo.
- X server — the main component of the X Window system which abstracts the hardware and provides the foundation for most graphical user interfaces, like desktop environments or window managers, and their applications.
- Xrandr — X protocol extension and its CLI tool xrandr are used to manage screen resolutions, rotation and screens with multiply displays in X