Newbie video question

[John Donovan_4]

I'm a newbie to Linux & this is probably answered within the reams of related documents, but I can't find it.

I have just sucessfully installed Debian Linux 3.0 r2 "woody" on an AlphaServer 1000a 4/266. So far so good except when is comes to starting up the windows software. I get garbage & sometimes a 1/4 screen. Here's the hdw config:
video card: S3 Inc. 86c764/765 [Trio32/64/64V+]
monitor: COMPAQ P1220

No matter what configuration I put in its garbage. Can anyone tell me:
What drivers/settings should use for this card/monitor?
Should I junk this card & get another one?
If so what card will work?

HELP needed by a frustrated newbie!
Thanks in advance,

jd (20 yr VMS veteran, Linux rookie)

[Bojan Nemec]

John,

It was long time ago I try to install Linux on an AlphaServer. It was an 1000a 4/233, the operating system was RedHat 7.2, I dont remember which video card (I tested them many) but the symptoms were like yours. More, there were some system hangs when I try to work in graphics mode. The system works yust fine (for abbout 3 days) when running without graphics mode and using an external XServer. After that I give up and reinstall VMS.

Bojan

[Matt Palmer_2]

Hi do you get garbage if you start in console mode and not GUI. It could be the screen geometry needs setting up.

To switch to console mode, I have to hit Ctrl-Alt and F1. This will just get you the black login screen. If this works without a problem then you probably need to rerun the Debian equivalent to SaX or XFree86 configs. If these programs fail to detect your refresh rates on the monitor correctly, you may need to enter them manually. But be careful doing this because if you get it wrong you could damage your monitor.

Hope this helps

regards

Matt

[John Donovan_4]

Thanks for the replies. No I'm working fine in console mode. I can do al kinds of Linux things in console mode. WHen I run "startx" or "xdm" thats when I get the garbage screen or just a "porthole" into the full screen.

[John Donovan_4]

HELP!!!

[Fred Ruffet]

On my slackware box (and also on a redhat), I have an utility called xf86config. I think it may also be on debian (may be part of X distrib). It is text base. It is not really beautifull, but it is a very good way of making an X configuration and it may help you finding the right driver and options.

Regards,

Fred

[Paul Cross_1]

John, have you tried to run xserver-configure? it should help. I used debian once a long time ago, so this is a BIG maybe.

[John Donovan_4]

Okay I'm back with this project again.
Should I scrap Debian and use Red Hat?
From the thread it seems as though Debian isn't the preferred Linux for an Alphas server.