Installing Xorg

F

fsck100

NOOB Warning

Installing on Intel Core i3, 16gb RAM - not VM

I am preparing to install for the first time. Below are the instructions I have for installing Xorg and XFCE. Just asking if this is correct procedure. Thanks.

## 1. Installing Xorg (the base graphical system)

Xorg provides the fundamental framework for a graphical environment.

### Steps:

1. **Open a terminal and become root:**
```sh
su
```
Enter your root password when prompted.

2. **Install the `xorg` package:** This is the easiest way to get a full Xorg installation.
```sh
pkg install xorg
```
Confirm the installation when prompted by pressing `y`.

3. **(Optional) Install a minimal Xorg:** For experienced users who want more control:
```sh
pkg install xorg-minimal
```
For most desktop users, the full `xorg` package is recommended.

4. **Install the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) kernel module:** This is crucial for hardware acceleration.
```sh
pkg install drm-kmod
```

5. **Add your user to the `video` group:** Replace `<your_username>` with your actual username.
```sh
pw groupmod video -m <your_username>
```
If the `video` group doesn't exist, try adding to the `wheel` group:
```sh
pw groupmod wheel -m <your_username>
```

6. **Enable the DRM kernel module at boot:** Edit `/boot/loader.conf`:
```sh
ee /boot/loader.conf
```
Add the following line (adjust driver as needed):
```
kern.vty=vt
kld_list="amdgpu i915kms" # Example for AMD or Intel.
```
* **AMD:** Use `amdgpu` (newer) or `radeon` (older).
* **Intel:** Use `i915kms`.
* **NVIDIA:** Requires separate proprietary driver installation (search "nvidia freebsd install").

7. **Enable `devd`:** Edit `/etc/rc.conf`:
```sh
ee /etc/rc.conf
```
Add the line:
```
devd_enable="YES"
```

8. **Reboot your system:**
```sh
reboot
```

## 2. Installing a Well-Supported Desktop Environment

**XFCE** and **KDE Plasma** are generally the best-supported desktop environments on FreeBSD. **MATE** is also a good option.

### a) Installing XFCE

A lightweight, fast, and stable desktop environment.

1. **Become root:**
```sh
su
```

2. **Install the XFCE meta-package:**
```sh
pkg install xfce
```

3. **(Recommended) Install `sddm` display manager:**
```sh
pkg install sddm
```

4. **Enable `sddm` at boot:** Edit `/etc/rc.conf`:
```sh
ee /etc/rc.conf
```
Add:
```
sddm_enable="YES"
```
 
fsck100 said:
NOOB Warning
Click to expand...
Just follow the instructions in the handbook mate. That's why we have one: https://docs.freebsd.org/en/books/handbook/

fsck100 said:
**Enable the DRM kernel module at boot:** Edit `/boot/loader.conf`:
Click to expand...
No. Don't.

Code: 
kern.vty=vt
vt(4) has been the default console driver for several years now, don't need to set it. The 'old' sc(4) console driver is scheduled to be removed.
Code: 
kld_list="amdgpu i915kms" # Example for AMD or Intel.
Goes in /etc/rc.conf, not /boot/loader.conf. And you typically load one or the other (whichever one is appropriate for your system), not both.

Code: 
devd_enable="YES"
Doesn't need to be added to rc.conf, devd(8) is enabled by default (the system can't do much without it).
 
Well that was interesting. I installed according to the handbook and then my pc couldn't boot at all. Won't be doing that again. You can delete my account on this forum. I certainly will never be installing this garbage ever again.
 
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