README for XFree86 3.3.3 on NetBSD : Running X
Previous: Configuring PEX and XIE extensions
Next: Starting Xdm, the display manager

6. Running X

8mb of memory is a recommended minimum for running X. The server, window manager and an xterm take about 4 Mb of memory themselves. On a 4Mb system that would leave nothing left over for other applications like gcc that expect a few meg free. X will work with 4Mb of memory, but in practice compilation while running X can take 5 or 10 times as long due to constant paging.

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.

6.1. Starting Xdm, the display manager


README for XFree86 3.3.3 on NetBSD : Running X
Previous: Configuring PEX and XIE extensions
Next: Starting Xdm, the display manager