Where did my penguins go?

[Bill Davidsen]

Sam Varshavchik wrote:
> g writes:
> 
>> Richard Shaw wrote:
>>
>>> try adding a VESA mode, something like "vga=..." I'm not
>>> sure what resolution you want to run but try "vga=ask" the first time
>>> and pick the one you like the most. If you're happy with it change the
>>> parameter to "vga=0x<mode>". I found out the hard way that you need to
>>> put "0x" on the front of whichever mode you choose.
>>
>> either a hex value or a decimal value may be passed.
>>
>> "0x" is used if you pass a hex value, else value passed will be taken as
>> being a decimal value.
>>
>>
>> some basic resolution codes, in decimal, are:
>>
>> colors  bits  640x480  800×600  1024×768  1152×864 1280×1024  1600×1200
>>    256    8   vga=769  vga=771   vga=773   vga=353   vga=775    vga=796
>>   32K0        vga=784  vga=787   vga=790   vga=354   vga=793    vga=797
>>   65K0   16   vga=785  vga=788   vga=791   vga=355   vga=794    vga=798
>>   16M7   24   vga=786  vga=789   vga=792   vga=795   vga=799
> 
> Maybe, maybe not. I have several laptops here. Each one produces a 
> different list of possible VGA modes.
> 
> Your actual VGA modes depend solely on your video BIOS. I looked, and I 
> was unable to find any way to obtain a list of supported video modes 
> from userspace. The boot time prompt is the only time yu see them.
> 
True, I guess, but I have never found on which didn't support 0x305, 0x303, or 
0x301, 1024x768, 800x600, and 640x480 at 8 bit. You only need to get it up, the 
X vesa driver will let you tune it after.

Note, I'm not advising against "vga=ask" but there are a few modes which work 
widely if you know your vertical resolution limit.

-- 
Bill Davidsen <davidsen at tmr.com>
   "We have more to fear from the bungling of the incompetent than from
the machinations of the wicked."  - from Slashdot