Antix on dated iMacs – 2×2 desktops prob and xorg fix

[Member mortlocki]

Ive tried several linux (debian) distributions on my aging iMacs, and run into the same issue. On bootup completion, the desktop appears as four in a 2×2 layout instead of one ie four miniature desktops that operate as one. (movement of the mouse makes the cursor move in all four desktops.) Naturally at this size the menu are impossible to read.

I recently tried Antix using the version on a ‘Linux Format” magazine DVD. And yep…same problem – four desktops in 2×2 layout.
BUT Antix I discovered has a preboot menu, and within there I found in the advance option, a Xorg safe setting…and that works ie a single full screen desktop on completion of boot up.

Using PC Information, view graphics, inxi, I found this:
Graphics: Device-1: AMD RV730/M96-XT [Mobility Radeon HD 4670] vendor: Apple driver: N/A
bus ID: 02:00.0 chip ID: 1002:9488
Display: x11 server: X.Org 1.20.4 driver: vesa resolution: 1400×1050~N/A
OpenGL: renderer: llvmpipe (LLVM 7.0 128 bits) v: 3.3 Mesa 18.3.6 compat-v: 3.1
direct render: Yes

I would like to see what this would show if I didn’t use Xorg safe but cant find the menu trail nor could I read it if I did.

..so Id like to know the difference between xorg and xorg safe?

Im posting this in here as I know other Mac users have asked for a solution but I have not seen anyone offer a solution..so hopeful some will find it here.

[Anonymous]

Helpful

Up

1

::

.

.

.

Antix I discovered has a preboot menu, and within there I found in the advance option,
a Xorg safe setting…and that works ie a single full screen desktop on completion of boot up.

Hooray !

difference between xorg and xorg safe

Unsure how to definitively answer that question, below I’m pasting an excerpt from a page (not easily found via search) Boot_Menu/antiX-gfxboot.html
which contains a copy of helptext presented within the antiX liveboot (legacy bios) F1 helptext screens.

Safe Video Mode
Disable KMS (kernel mode set) video drivers and force the use of the vesa video driver. Try this option of the system seems to boot but the screen is blank.

Failsafe Boot
In addition to forcing safe video, also load all drivers early in the boot process. Try this option if the system does not boot at all.

[Member mortlocki]

Helpful

Up

0

::

Ta for that,skiddo – Im going to bookmark that info. It looks the sort of thing every Antix user (or linux beginner) should know about..or the link at least. Such an excellent ‘go to’.

Though the prob in the description is different it sure looks like its on the right track.
This is the best lead Ive found in years…so thank you once again!!!

[Member mortlocki]

Helpful

Up

0

::

aha – here it is, skiddo (missed it on my first read):

xorg=safe
Disable the hardware video driver from controlling graphics mode. Some drivers have trouble with older hardware.

Excellent…now I have a better idea as to the Why?

[Author]

Posts