6. Running X

6.1. Starting xdm, the display manager

To start the display manager, log in as root on the console and type: ``xdm -nodaemon''.

You can start xdm automatically on bootup by changing the line

xdm_flags=NO            # for normal use: xdm_flags=""

xdm_flags=""            # for normal use: xdm_flags=""

Note that the binary distributions of XFree86 for OpenBSD on ftp.xfree86.org and its mirrors don't include support for the XDM-AUTHORIZATION-1 protocol, because of the US export rules.

6.2. Running X without the display manager

The easiest way for new users to start X windows is to type: ``startx >& startx.log''. Error messages are lost unless you redirect them because the server takes over the screen.

To get out of X windows, type: ``exit'' in the console xterm. You can customize your X by creating .xinitrc, .xserverrc, and .twmrc files in your home directory as described in the xinit and startx man pages.