Version: (using KDE KDE 3.5.6) Installed from: Ubuntu Packages Compiler: gcc 4.1.2 OS: Linux I've remarked something about 2 years before on my Debian testing. When I boot, my monitor (a Iiyama 19' vision master 1451) is switched off. When I switch it on, the resolution of the screen server is bad. (about 800x600, or so.). There is no way to change it (with CTRL + ALT + + or -), this is the max resolution. I must restart the X server to have the right resolution (Xfree86-4, the first time I remarked it). I thought it was because of my drivers (fglrx, for a radeon9800), but since I changed my video card this week end, I can tell you that is the same on nVidia card with official nvidia drivers. I don't remember if it does the same on AiGLX with free radeon drivers but I think there wasn't the problem. It could be interpreted as some X.org problems. But the fact is that with gdm, I didn't have any problems like these (with fglrx driver, at least).
it sort of is about the drivers ... but the generic ones. the X server gets the max possible resolution from the the monitor (via DDC) and uses it. why the server chooses not to do this with gdm is another question - maybe the server command line is different (just try ps x). in any case a configuration problem is most probable.