# Not really &kde;-related, but frequently asked nevertheless.

How do I change the screen resolution?

Use &Ctrl;&Alt;+ and &Ctrl;&Alt;- to cycle through the resolutions you have defined in `XF86Config` (maybe under `/etc/X11`; poke around first). If you prefer to get your hands dirty, you can always edit the file directly. By placing your favourite resolution at the beginning (or making it the only one listed), the &X-Windows; will always start up with that resolution.

Always make a backup copy of your `XF86Config` file before you start editing it. Errors in this file can render your &X-Windows; unusable.

These instructions are only valid if you are running version 3.3.x of the XFree86 server. If you are running XFree86 4.x, you must consult with the XFree86(TM): Home Page.

How do I change the colour depth?

There is no way you can do this on the fly. You can either start the &X-Windows; using `startx `-bpp number`` where number can be 8, 16, 24 or 32, depending on the depth you want. Alternatively, if you are using xdm/&kdm;, you need to edit `/etc/X11/xdm/Xservers` (may vary) and enter `:0 local /usr/X11R6/bin/X -bpp 16` for 16 bit colour depth.

You can also edit the `XF86Config` file and add a line like `DefaultColorDepth number` to Section "Screen". The next time you start X, it will run with the newly-configured colour depth.

What can I do if I am using a 2-button mouse?

Go buy a 3-button one, or use third button emulation. The third button is emulated by pressing both the &LMB; and the &RMB; together. You would need to enable `Emulate3Buttons` in your `XF86Config` file.

What is a "sticky" window?

In a virtual desktop environment with multiple virtual desktops, a "sticky" window will stay put on the screen when you switch between desktops, as if sticking to the glass of the screen. Xclock is a typical candidate for sticking, as you need to run only one instance of it, and it always stays with you.

How do I replace the "X" mouse pointer with an arrow?

The various types of cursor available in X are defined in `X11/cursorfont.h`. You can change it using `xsetroot -cursor_name name_of_cursor`. For example, I have the following in my `.Xclients`:

    xsetroot -cursor_name left_ptr

This will create the common left-angled pointer. To see other alternatives, type `xfd -fn cursor`. And of course, do not forget that `man xsetroot` is your friend.

How do I extract/install diff files?

To generate a context-diff suitable for patching, use `diff -u old-file new-file > patchfile`. To apply the diff to a file (i.e. "patch the file"), execute `patch < patchfile`.

How do I get &Linux; to mount the floppy device for use with both DOS and ext2 formatted floppies?

Just specify the filesystem type as auto in `/etc/fstab`. Auto detection works fine for DOS and ext2.

How do I start &kde; with the Num Lock on?

Have you tried `man setleds`? In addition, you might want to edit your `$`HOME`/.Xmodmap` and put the following lines in:

    ! redefines numeric keypad to be used without NumLock
    keycode 79 = 7
    keycode 80 = 8
    keycode 81 = 9

    keycode 83 = 4
    keycode 84 = 5
    keycode 85 = 6

    keycode 87 = 1
    keycode 88 = 2
    keycode 89 = 3

    keycode 90 = 0
    keycode 91 = comma
    keycode 86 = plus

    ! deactivates NumLock key
    keycode 77 =

Other possible alternatives:

- xkeycaps: right clicking should allow edits. You may have to do this as root.

- `man XF86Config` and look under section Keyboard.

- Install NumLockX, which is available from http://dforce.sh.cvut.cz/~seli/en/numlockx.

How do I take window or desktop screenshots?

Use &ksnapshot;.

Is there a tool to make webpages?

Yes, and there are a lot of them out there, including StarOffice, &Netscape; Composer, and XEmacs. There are also many &kde; applications. To find the most current list, go to APPS.&kde;.com: The Latest in &kde; Applications and search for web development. Try as many as possible and choose the one most suitable to your needs.

What do all those acronyms like AFAIK mean?

    AAMOF: as a matter of fact
    AFAIK: as far as I know
    AISE: as I see it
    BFN: bye for now
    BION: believe it or not
    BRB: be right back
    BTW: by the way
    CMIIW: correct me if I am wrong
    FUD: fear, uncertainty, and doubt
    FWIW: for what it's worth
    FYI: for your information
    HTH: hope this helps
    IIRC: if I recall correctly
    IMHO: in my humble opinion
    LOL: laughing out loud
    MYOB: mind your own business
    PITA: pain in the ass
    ROTFL: rolling on the floor laughing
    RTFM: read the fine manual
    SOP: standard operating procedure
    TIA: thanks in advance
    YMMV: your mileage may vary