Chapter 6 - Configuring the X Windows System, Localization and Printing Flashcards
Name the major X servers for Linux
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XFree86 has been the traditional standard Linux X server, but in 2004 X.org-X11 (which was based on XFree86) rapidly gained prominence as the new standard Linux server. Accelerated-X is a commercial X server that sometimes supports video cards that aren’t supported by XFree86 or X.org-X11.
Describe the X Configuration file format.
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The XFree86 and X.org-X11 configuration file is broken into multiple sections, each of which begins with the keyword Section and ends with EndSection. Each section sets options related to a single X feature, such as loading modules, specifying the mouse type, or describing the screen resolution and color depth.
Summarize the differences between X core fonts, a font server and Xft fonts .
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X core fonts are managed directly by X and they lack modern font features such as font smoothing. Font servers integrate with the X core fonts but run as separate programs and may optionally deliver fonts to multiple computers on a network. Xft fonts bypass the X core font system to provide client-side in way that supports modern features such as font smoothing.
Explain the role of an XDMCP server.
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An XDMCP server, such as XDM, KDM or GDM, launches X and controls access to X via a login prompt - that is, it servers as Linux’s GUI login system. XDMCP server are also network enable, provided a way to log in remotely from another X server.
Describe X’s client-server model.
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An X server runs on the user’s computer to control the display and accept input from the keyboard and mouse. Client programs run on the same computer or on a remote computer to do the bulk of the computational work. These client program treat the X server much as they treat other servers, requesting input from and sending output to them.
Explain the benefits of using SSH for remote X access
SSH can simplify remote X-based network access by reducing the number of steps required to run X programs from a remote computer. More important, SSH encrypts data, which keeps information sent between the X client and X server secure from prying eyes.
Summarize X accessibility features.
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You can adjust keyboard and mouse options to help those with motor impairments to use keyboards and mice or to substitute one device for the other. Font size, contrast and magnification tools can help those with visual impairments. Finally, text readers and Braille displays can enable blind individuals to use a Linux system.
Describe how to set a time zone in Linux.
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Linux uses a binary file, /etc/localtime, to describe the features of the time zone. This file is copied or linked from a repository of such files at system installation, but you can replace the file at any time.
Explain the role of Ghostscript in Linux printing.
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PostScript is the standard Linux printing language and Ghostscript converts PostScript into bitmap formats from a repository of such files at system installation, but you can replace the file at any time.
Summarize how print jobs are submitted and managed under Linux
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You use lpr to submit a print job for printing, or an application program may call lpr itself or implement its functionality directly. The lpq utility summarizes jobs in a queue and lprm can remove print jobs from a queue.
