console to graphics state

[James S. <jsi...@li...>]

>Ok, good.  This is something I was going to bring up.  Most cards will
>require that they be in PIO mode before starting X.  Being in ProMo4
>will surely render the machine a temporary doorstop.

That is if they don't use the UseFBDev option for XF86Config. Then XFree86
counts on vgacon being present. I have done dumb mistakes with this. I
recently had problems when I was leaving X. All my fonts where corrupt. I
discovered I left the UseFBDev option on even tho I was then using vgacon.
Personally I think all mode switching for various cards should be handled
by the kernel on behalf of X or otherwise we will be running into all
sorts of problems. The reality is fbcon is required for some platforms no
matter how much some hate it and like to see it go away.

>It will probably have to be extended some way to change PCI access modes
>when X starts regardless of /dev/drm. How can we accomplish this
>(without modifying the X driver)?

Yuk!!!! X should not be touching PCI space IMNSHO.

MS: (n) 1. A debilitating and surprisingly widespread affliction that
renders the sufferer barely able to perform the simplest task. 2. A disease.

James Simmons  [jsi...@li...]               ____/|
fbdev/console/gfx developer                             \ o.O|
http://www.linux-fbdev.org                               =(_)=
http://linuxgfx.sourceforge.net                            U
http://linuxconsole.sourceforge.net