[SOLVED] Slackware 15 — no semigraphics characters in text mode

rkelsen · 07-15-2022, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlackWar

The pic show... single point. Literally.

Sorry, but I'm not sure what you mean. The pic in the attached thumbnail is what I get in pure text mode.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlackWar

There weren't any problems with this until 15.0.

Between 14.2 and 15.0, Slackware's default locale setting changed to UTF-8.

Consider these differences in /etc/profile.d/lang.sh:

Slackware-14.2:

Code:

# en_US is the Slackware default locale:
export LANG=en_US

Slackware-15.0:

Code:

# en_US.UTF-8 is the Slackware default locale.  If you're looking for
# a different UTF-8 locale, be aware that some of them do not include
# UTF-8 or utf8 in the name.  To test if a locale is UTF-8, use this
# command:
#
# LANG=<locale> locale -k charmap
#
# UTF-8 locales will include "UTF-8" in the output.
export LANG=en_US.UTF-8

Your problem is most likely connected to the character set you're choosing.

SlackWar · 07-16-2022, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkelsen

Sorry, but I'm not sure what you mean. This pic is what I get in pure text mode: https://www.linuxquestions.org/quest...e64-15-199.png

I mean, that the linked pic shows just a single point, unfortunately. Not much can be seen.

Quote:

Between 14.2 and 15.0, Slackware's default locale setting changed to UTF-8.
[..]
Your problem is most likely connected to the character set you're choosing.

So this must be explanation. Thanks!

rkelsen · 07-17-2022, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlackWar

I mean, that the linked pic shows just a single point, unfortunately.

Oops. Sorry! I've edited my post to include a thumbnail. You should be able to see it now.

EDIT: Also, I think I got an earlier detail wrong. Standard VGA resolution in text mode is 640x480... and that is what's UGLY on a 27" screen.

rkelsen · 07-17-2022, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlackWar

I'm not 100% sure, but if I'm correct that parameter doesn't block framebuffer if there is KMS compiled into the kernel (and most probably in such case even "nomodeset" won't help).

To clarify this point, the "nomodeset" parameter certainly will stop the frame buffer from loading, provided that you're using "legacy" booting.

This works with a stock Slackware kernel, even though it has the frame buffer console compiled in.

If you're using EFI, then you cannot disable the frame buffer if you want to see anything on the screen.

SlackWar · 07-17-2022, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkelsen

To clarify this point, the "nomodeset" parameter certainly will stop the frame buffer from loading, provided that you're using "legacy" booting.

This works with a stock Slackware kernel, even though it has the frame buffer console compiled in.

If you're using EFI, then you cannot disable the frame buffer if you want to see anything on the screen.

I think you're right; yes, I can recall I was trying to force my single UEFI machine to do real text mode with „nomodeset” — also by compiling kernel without fb — all that in vain.

Quote:

Standard VGA resolution in text mode is 640x480... and that is what's UGLY on a 27" screen.

Well, let's count it:
* 25 chars * 16 dots = 400
* 80 chars * 8 dots = 640
So the final resolution in „pure” text mode is 640x400.

Indeed it's not that beautiful on as large screen as 27" — but I'm keeping two smaller monitors on my desk (the smaller one is jut 15"), so 25x80 text mode is ideal for me, allowing comfortable work without glasses.