I finally got a copy of Slackware 9.1. I've been meaning to get some sort of linux or the longest time. I debated which type until someone mentioned Slackware to me (Ste knows who he is 8) )
I messed up on the xf86config though so of course I'm getting 'no screens found' errors

I've got a question for you guys. How do I find out the vertical refresh rate? (i think... whatever it is that has two values like 50Hz-90Hz or something)

I assume some of you here can help me, since I don't want to go to linuxquestions or anything if I don't have to.

Erm, you just have to experiment I think...

I haven't heard of Slackware myself, but it might be interesting to look into that...

Erm - just had a thought, do you mean get it from the computer monitor's information thingy (where it display's 50Hz-90Hz)... It's probably the lower one, nut why not try one and then the other?

Yes, I'm trying to find out the moniter's vertical refresh rate. Xf86Config gives me a list of 4 or 5 options. These have two numbers each. I don't know the significance of this, but it may be important. I'll try and get it running tonight. I got Slackware from the Christmas 2003 Linux Format mag dvd if anyone is interested. You can also download it free since it's opensource (as with all - or most - linux)

Your monitor will support a number of refresh rates, up to a certain maximum. Take a look at your Windows settings and play around with them (right-click the desktop, click Properties, then Settings, then Advanced, then Monitor).

50Hz would be incredibly painful to look at. For me anyway. I see some people looking at 60Hz screens and it's like a flickering light bulb - I can't see why they do it, and usually you can crank the refresh rate up much higher than that.

That only applies to CRTs. For TFTs I doubt it makes much difference whatever you choose, since they don't flicker.

.... My laptop screen flickers in the bottom right-hand corner.....

Anyway, I always confuse myself between the vertical/horizontal refresh rate.... Why couldn't they just tick with the one? Pffffttttt....

And, yeah - I have to have mine above 75Hz, 70 is alright I guess, a bit "odd" and the CRT starts "humming" in it's high-pitch whine after a while... 75/80 ad it doesn't whine and look's just FINE!!!
I can rap - but I'm really cr4p!

mmmm, gotta stop listening to those musicals!

I got everything up-and-running. No problems now. Linux rulez.