README for XFree86® 4.8.0 on NetBSD : Running X
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## 6. Running X

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

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=NO			xdm_flags=""            # x11 display manager

> `

to:

> `

>     xdm=YES			xdm_flags=""            # x11 display manager

> `

in `/etc/rc.conf`.

Under NetBSD 1.4 and later with the wscons console driver, you must enable a virtual console for the X server first. To do this follow these steps:

- Make sure the device file exists. If not, ```cd /dev ; ./MAKEDEV wscons`''.
- Next, make sure your kernel wants to do wscons. (see below).
- Next, make sure ```wscons=YES`'' in `/etc/rc.conf`.
- Next, make sure `/etc/wscons.conf` exists. The relevant bits:

  > `

  >     #screen	0	-	vt100
  >     screen	1	-	vt100
  >     screen	2	-	vt100
  >     screen	3	-	vt100
  >     screen	4	-	-
  >     screen	5	-	vt100

  > `

(Thanks to Mason Loring Bliss `<mason@acheron.middleboro.ma.us>` for this explanation)

Note that the binary distributions of XFree86 for NetBSD don't include support for the XDM-AUTHORIZATION-1 protocol.

README for XFree86® 4.8.0 on NetBSD : Running X
Previous: Configuring X for Your Hardware
Next: Kernel Support for X