Configuring

aticonfig

Since version 8.18.6 the fglrx driver includes the aticonfig tool which simplifies xorg.conf editing. Here are some useful commands this tool offers (for a complete list see aticonfig --help).

Changes taking effect on startup

Changes will change the config file!

Initial setup (creates device section using fglrx)

sudo aticonfig --initial

Enable Video acceleration (Xv Overlay)

sudo aticonfig --overlay-type=Xv

Force fglrx to use kernel's AGP driver instead of own implementation (only use when internal agpgart doesn't work)

sudo aticonfig --internal-agp=off

• Note: Newer fglrx driver versions do not include an internal AGPGART so the kernel agpgart is used no matter what.

Use extended desktop with two monitors (dual-head and big desktop)

Assuming you successfully completed the 'Ubuntu Gutsy Installation Guide' with two monitors connected:

sudo aticonfig --initial=dual-head --screen-layout=right

This command will generate a dual head configuration file with the second screen located to the right of the first screen.

sudo aticonfig --dtop=horizontal --overlay-on=1

This command will set up big desktop to horizontal and set overlay on the secondary display.

sudo aticonfig --set-pcs-val=MCIL,DigitalHDTVDefaultUnderscan,0

This command will disable underscan and saves the option until next driver update. Needed to remove black borders on some LCD displays by default.

If black borders doesn't remove try this :

aticonfig --query-monitor # to see monitors
aticonfig --query-dispattrib=tmds2 #to see supported values
aticonfig --set-dispattrib=tmds2,sizeX:1920 # to set X resolution
aticonfig --set-dispattrib=tmds2,sizey:1080 # to set Y resolution 
aticonfig --set-dispattrib=tmds2,positionX:0 # to set X position to 0
aticonfig --set-dispattrib=tmds2,positionY:0 # to set Y position to 0

Now, black borders is really gone.

Changes taking effect immediately

Changes will not change the config file.

Print information about power states.

aticonfig --list-powerstates

Or, for us lazy folk, the shorter version is aticonfig --lsp

Set a power state to the lowest (battery friendly)

aticonfig --set-powerstate=1

• Note: check out available power states using aticonfig --list-powerstates
• Note: this option does not work when an external monitor is connected

Print information about connected and enabled monitors

aticonfig --query-monitor

Examples how to enable two monitors on the fly

• Assume you have two monitors already setup correctly (Dual monitor support at Ubuntuforums)
• This example enable laptop internal monitor (lvds) and external monitor (crt1)

aticonfig --enable-monitor=lvds,crt1 --effective=now

• Note: aticonfig --enable-monitor=STRING,STRING where STRING can be one of the following set, separated by commas: none,crt1,crt2,lvds,tv,tmds1,tmds2,auto.

Only 2 displays can be enabled at the same time. Any displays that are not on the list will be disabled.

• Note: check out connected and enabled monitors using aticonfig --query-monitor

Turn off the second monitor on the fly and start to use only laptop internal monitor (lvds)

aticonfig --enable-monitor=lvds --effective=now

Swap monitors on the fly when using big desktop mode

• Assume you have two monitors already setup correctly (Dual monitor support at Ubuntuforums)

aticonfig --swap-monitor --effective=now

• Note: This only works for big desktop setup. This will swap the contents on the two monitors.

Troubleshooting

Still not working? Go to the Troubleshooting page.

Ok XP is yet older and still beettr then most of the progressively larger installation of progressivly stupidier software known as operating systems. I have a Gateway M285E convertable laptop. I have had this unit now for over eight months, and have battled trying to get it to do what Gateway designed it to do. First off, I can't find the proper Windows XP Tablet to match the sticker on the bottom of the unit. Every time I try any of them the number will not work so I am forced to either use a Vista that I have a valid number for or 7 which I also legally own. HOWEVER, Vista works sort of, the screen rotation works most of the time and the handwriting works most of the time. There was never a driver released for the video in 7 so I am forced to use the machine as a regluar laptop (I have seven other laptops that work beettr then this one) and use a screen of 1024 768. So I searched and found a {crack} that will make XP 2005 Tablet to look legal to MS and allow updates. Sooooo OFF I go and happy I am till I install SP3 and guess what NO BLASTED SCREEN ROTATION! Thus far I have uninstalled SP3 and found a roll up package that allows me to use Security Essentials for an antivirus. I think I will simply turn off Updates and go from there. OOOPS SE just popped up and accused me of being a criminal again!!! DAMN MICROSOFT!!! SEEKING A GOOD version of Linux that will make everything work so I can just dump MS and use the little convertable the way I wish!!!!