How to update XFree86

This tutorial shows how to update XFree86 server to a newer version on Linux Mandrake 8.0. If you are using another distribution, differences are minimum: packages's names may be different in version and extension and you have to use the command

rpm
    -ivh

instead of urpmi.

I assume that you have all rpm packages of new XFree86 version you need and you are logged as root outside X session (best way to do this is boot Linux and write linux 3 at the Lilo's prompt, pushing Esc key for switch from graphic to text mode, then logging as root). There are many ways to do the same thing, so you can choose others to obtain the same result, this is only the first comes in my mind:

1) Use rpm -e --nodeps XFree86 to remove all XFree86 packages installed. The parameter nodeps skips dependences check to allow removing packages directly.

2) Move to the directory where you have copied all XFree86 packages you need, so write urpmi *.rpm to install them. This packages may be the following:

XFree86-server-4.2.0-10mdk.i586.rpm

    XFree86-75dpi-fonts-4.2.0-10mdk.i586.rpm

    XFree86-100dpi-fonts-4.2.0-10mdk.i586.rpm

    XFree86-4.2.0-10mdk.i586.rpm

    XFree86-xfs-4.2.0-10mdk.i586.rpm

    XFree86-libs-4.2.0-10mdk.i586.rpm

If some packages missing, they will be signaled from system.

3) Now you must create static link to the new X server, removing old one; so move to /etc/X11, write rm X then

ln -s /usr/X11R6/bin/XFree86
    X

.

4) Well, now the last step. It is necessary a new configuration file for XFree86 only just installed; it is named XF86Config-4 located in /etc/X11. You can copy my XF86Config-4 or create a new one by any tools you prefer. Now use startx to try new X server.

That's all; please take a look to my XF86Config-4 file for changes necessary to your system. My example file is for a notebook with SiS 630 chipset and a 13'' LCD, and it must contain in Device section fbdev as driver, otherwise X doesn't boot. If you are interested to SiS chipsets, please go in the specific section in the Linux menù: there are many news to make your video system working better.