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Is it possible to have a dual-headed console?

I'm running Kubuntu 9.04 and I sometimes want a really low resource consuming option while I'm coding.  I currently use byobu to manage multiple virtual screens and just shutdown X.  My current frustration is that I have a dual-head system, which works great with X on both screens, but what about the console?  They default to just mirror.  I'm using the nvidia properietary drivers.

 Is there any way that I can run a dual-head console?  If so, will the command-line output just span the two screens or can I have a way to use the console mouse between the two screens.  Just looking for whatever options are available.

In Internet - Asked by shadowland - 4 years ago
Answers

  • Gentoo on a dual head workstation, NVidia proprietary drivers as well.
    I've looked at nvidia settings and few forums about twin view and clone mode but it seems you cannot control text mode deeply. NVidia is now focusing on X only, I've even tried with screen and other text based utilities but when running in text only mode (run level 3, "classic") you cannot use two or more screens at the same time. I've even tried to modify inittab but with no luck
    Answered by Andrea Benini
    4 years ago     		0 0

  • Would it be too simple if you used some really light window manager like Openbox and just used a fullscreen terminal on both displays?
    Answered by Olli Markkanen
    4 years ago     		1 0

  • No Olli,
    When you're in a text only mode and you're working around X, or debugging runlevels, or around a rescue mode, you cannot have X Server running with a light windows environment
    Answered by Andrea Benini
    4 years ago     		0 0

  • A long time ago, there was no such thing as the GUI. There are some great tools for programming that operate without any graphics, particularly vi editor.

    If you're truly concerned about the amount of resources that you're using, I'd suggest that you could consider doing without the GUI altogether. Ubuntu Server doesn't come with a GUI because you really don't need a GUI to hog resources.
    Answered by Tom Anderson
    3 years ago     		1 0

  • I know you want to stay out of X, but with the apparent lack of option when in console mode, may I recommend that you consider using a lightweight tiling window manager on X, which will spare resources and allow you to fully utilize all space on both screens.
    Answered by mfillpot
    3 years ago     		0 0
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