Xserver

X [ options ] [ :displaynumber [ server arguments ] ]

:displaynumber
    Specifies the display number to use. Defaults to 0.

-ac
    Disable access control restrictions, allowing any client to connect (use with caution).

-audit level
    Sets the audit trail level. Higher levels generate more audit information.

-auth file
    Specifies the file to use for authorization.

-background none
    Use none background color

-depth depth
    Sets the color depth (e.g., 8, 16, 24).

-dpi resolution
    Set the screen resolution in dpi.

-keeptty
    Do not detach from controlling terminal.

-keyboard keyboard
    Sets the keyboard layout.

-mouse mouse
    Sets the mouse device.

Xserver is the core component of the X Window System, responsible for managing the display, keyboard, and mouse. It acts as a bridge between client applications (like web browsers, text editors, and terminal emulators) and the hardware. It receives requests from clients to draw windows, text, and graphics, and then renders these elements on the screen.

The Xserver also handles input events (keyboard presses, mouse movements) and sends them to the appropriate client applications. It utilizes a client-server architecture, where the server is the Xserver itself running on the host machine, and the clients are the applications running either locally or remotely. Modern Linux systems commonly use Xorg as the Xserver implementation, though other implementations exist. The X server is typically started automatically during system boot but can also be started manually if needed. The server relies on configuration files to determine display resolution, keyboard layout, and other settings. Without a running Xserver, graphical applications cannot display their user interfaces.

Running the Xserver without proper security measures (like `-ac`) can expose your system to security risks. Remote access should always be protected with strong authentication and encryption. It's important to understand the implications of the configuration options used, as incorrect settings can lead to display problems or system instability.

The Xserver relies on configuration files (e.g., xorg.conf) located in directories like /etc/X11/ or /usr/share/X11/ to determine its settings. These files specify display drivers, monitor configurations, keyboard layouts, and other parameters. While automatic configuration is common, manual configuration may be necessary for advanced setups or to resolve compatibility issues.

If the Xserver fails to start, check the log files (usually located in /var/log/Xorg.0.log) for error messages. Common issues include incorrect driver configurations, missing dependencies, or hardware compatibility problems. Updating drivers or modifying the xorg.conf file might be required to resolve these issues.

The X Window System was developed at MIT in the mid-1980s as a successor to the W Window System. It was designed to be network-transparent, allowing applications to run on one machine and display on another. Over time, it has evolved significantly, with various implementations (like XFree86, Xorg) emerging. Xorg is now the dominant implementation, providing a modular and extensible framework for managing graphical displays on Linux and other Unix-like systems. Xserver is a foundational component, enabling the graphical user interface experience that is standard on most desktop Linux distributions.

startx(1), xinit(1), xrandr(1), xauth(1)