[SOLVED] how to start xorg server without a windows manager ?

[Carrot Cruncher]

hi. is there a preferred/recommended method of starting the xorg server (x) without using a windows manager ? i have a server based on fc16 which currently has no graphical requirements. i now want to start the xorg server but don't need/want any windows manager (such as gdm). cheers.

[jpollard]

Take a look at the startx utility.

[sonoran]

If you don't use a display manager, window manager or DE, doesn't X run twm by default?
That's what I recall from my minimal installs, anyway.

[Carrot Cruncher]

sorry, didn't make myself very clear. i know i can start the x server by simply running X or Xorg from the command line, my question related to how the server can be automatically started at boot time. i.e. can it be managed as a respawning service ?

[jpollard]

Originally Posted by Carrot Cruncher

sorry, didn't make myself very clear. i know i can start the x server by simply running X or Xorg from the command line, my question related to how the server can be automatically started at boot time. i.e. can it be managed as a respawning service ?

That is the function of gdm/kdm/xdm.

These establish the security by generating random passwords, set the password for the X server, then, pass the password to the login (chooser) application. When the user logs in, a new key (usually) gets generated for the user. When the user logs out, the key is deleted, and the X server gets a new one.

[pete_1967]

If you mean that you want to run the server with a display manager (which ever you happen to have installed) by default, just boot to runlevel 5, that starts X every time.

[smr54]

Sorry, I think at least some of us are misunderstanding--it sounds to me as if you want to have a remote X connection available. You can boot into text mode but still run a vncserver which will allow a remote user to get a GUI. To do that, install vncserver, then edit /etc/sysconfig/vncservers to read something like

VNCSERVERS="1:oasys"

Then, one can log into the machine via vncviewer and be on display 1, as user oasys.

[Carrot Cruncher]

thanks for the responses. following jpollard's suggestion, i've worked out that i can use xinit to start each app that needs to use the x server.