[ILUG-Cochin.org] Graphics in console (and displaying images in FB)

[Mahesh Aravind]

Smaeer bhai,

--- On Tue, 31/3/09, Sameer Mohamed Thahir <sameer.thahir at gmail.com> wrote:

> 
> Pass "vga=788" as parameter to the kernel.
> 


The "vga=" parameter for kernel only activates the VESA framebuffer, an ad hoc way of using framebuffer.  If you want to exploit the full power of framebuffer (resolution resizing, terminal font changing etc.) then use the corresponding framebuffer for the graphics chipset for your motherboard.

As a sidenote, pls don't edit the "kernel=" line is grub.conf/menu.lst in your Debian box.  Only edit the "defopt=" line, and update all your kenels using update-grub(8) command

To load up the correct FB module for your chipset, pass the "video=" parameter to the linux kernel. Eg. "video=intelfb:1024x768:mtrr=1" etc.

For Intel 810 or lower chipset (intel ones only), use the 'i810fb' parameter.

For higher intel chipsets, I'd suggest 'intelfb' mod. Its newer, fever bugs (like i810 DRI bug) etc.

For other chipsets, RTFM ;) Find the docs is src/Documentation/fb/
Its has for Matrox, SiS, Cyrix etc. etc.

@Jos

I think it was fbi(1) that I heard which could display images in FB. There are also chipset specific programs for FB like mgaview. STFW!

FB was my love when I was learning Linux, FB+commandline.. kewl!! :D

Try fiddling around with fbset(8) too :)

No worries,
Mahesh Aravind


      Add more friends to your messenger and enjoy! Go to http://messenger.yahoo.com/invite/