README for XFree86 4.4.0 on OpenBSD : Running X
Previous: Configuring X for Your Hardware
Next: Kernel Support for X

## 6. Running X

### 6.1. Starting xdm, the display manager

To start the display manager, log in as root on the console and type: ```xdm -nodaemon`''.

You can start xdm automatically on bootup by changing the line

> `

>     xdm_flags=NO            # for normal use: xdm_flags=""

> `

to:

> `

>     xdm_flags=""            # for normal use: xdm_flags=""

> `

in `/etc/rc.conf`.

Note that the binary distributions of XFree86 for OpenBSD on ftp.xfree86.org and its mirrors don't include support for the XDM-AUTHORIZATION-1 protocol, because of the US export rules.

### 6.2. Running X without the display manager

The easiest way for new users to start X windows is to type: ```startx >& startx.log`''. Error messages are lost unless you redirect them because the server takes over the screen.

To get out of X windows, type: ```exit`'' in the console xterm. You can customize your X by creating `.xinitrc`, `.xserverrc`, and `.twmrc` files in your home directory as described in the xinit and startx man pages.

README for XFree86 4.4.0 on OpenBSD : Running X
Previous: Configuring X for Your Hardware
Next: Kernel Support for X