The X Window System, commonly referred to as X11, has been the primary display server used in Linux for many years. However, in recent years, the newer Wayland display server has gained popularity and is now commonly used as an alternative to X11. In this answer, we will discuss how to configure and manage both X11 and Wayland.
Configuring and Managing X11
X11 is the most widely used display server in Linux, and it provides the graphical framework for running graphical applications on the system. Here are the basic steps to configure and manage X11:
Install the X11 server and desktop environment: The X11 server must be installed on the system before it can be used. Additionally, a desktop environment such as GNOME, KDE, or Xfce must be installed to provide a graphical interface for the user. This can be done using the package manager on the system.
Configure X11: X11 can be configured using the xorg.conf file, which is located in the /etc/X11 directory. This file contains various configuration options for the X11 server, including the screen resolution, input devices, and graphics drivers.
Manage X11: X11 can be managed using various tools, including the xrandr utility for managing the screen resolution and orientation, and the xinput utility for managing input devices such as keyboards and mice. Additionally, the xkill utility can be used to terminate a hung or misbehaving graphical application.
Configuring and Managing Wayland
Wayland is a newer display server that is becoming increasingly popular in Linux. It is designed to be more secure and efficient than X11, and it provides better support for modern hardware and features. Here are the basic steps to configure and manage Wayland:
Install the Wayland server and desktop environment: Wayland must be installed on the system before it can be used. Additionally, a desktop environment that supports Wayland, such as GNOME or KDE, must be installed to provide a graphical interface for the user. This can be done using the package manager on the system.
Configure Wayland: Wayland does not use a configuration file like X11 does. Instead, it relies on environment variables and command-line options to configure the server. For example, the WAYLAND_DISPLAY environment variable can be used to specify the display server to use.
Manage Wayland: Wayland can be managed using various tools, including the wlctl utility for managing the display configuration, and the wlogout utility for logging out of the desktop environment. Additionally, Wayland provides a built-in screen recorder utility that can be used to record a video of the desktop.
In conclusion, configuring and managing display servers in Linux involves installing the appropriate server and desktop environment, configuring the server using configuration files or environment variables, and using various tools to manage the display and applications running on it.