There are a number of issues associated with the smooth operation of the X Window System. If there are problems with the X configuration file, you may be able to fix it directly using a text editor, create a new file using the Red Hat Display tool (system-config-display), or use a command line tool such as Xorg -configure.
And as discussed in chapter 14, the X Window may not work under certain conditions. Naturally, Linux doesn't boot into an X login window unless the default runlevel in /etc/inittab is set to 5. The X Window can't run without the X Font Server. And it can't start if the partitions associated with certain directories are full or have inappropriate permissions.
For this exercise, you'll need a partner. Have your partner make changes to your system. As your partner works to create a network problem for you to solve on your computer, look away until the computer is rebooting.
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Back up the configuration file associated with the X Window System, /etc/X11/xorg.conf. Make sure to back up this file to a non-standard location, in case your partner also backs up any files before changing them.
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Open the /etc/X11/xorg.conf configuration file in a text editor. Near the end of the file, you'll see the following directive:
Section "Screen"
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Change the directive to:
Section "Scree"
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Configure the system to start in runlevel 3, in /etc/inittab.
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Reboot the system, and let your partner back at the computer. Tell him or her to try starting the GUI.
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Make sure to tell your partner to back up any files that he or she might change to the appropriate home directory.
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If your partner gives up, restore the original /etc/X11/xorg.conf configuration file.
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