[[LFS Note: The below procedure works fine with LFS 3.0]]

In my continuing search for compatibility, stability and performance, I decided to compile XFree86 4.1.0 from source and install it. I removed the RPMs for my version earlier version of X, as well as Freetype. I also removed my old fonts. I didn’t have any special fonts installed, and I’m really trying to dig deep into my system and start from source where I can. Do make sure you back up /etc/rc.d/init.d/xfs before you nuke the RPMs and copy it back again. You will want to use this file to start your font server.

It is amazing how many missing or nonstandard things I find while compiling Gnome, XFree, and associated software. I wouldn’t really recommend doing what I’m doing with your system unless you have the time to root around, and really want to know exactly what is happening. Of course, this adventure started with simply installing GNUCash.

I got XFree86 4.1.0 here. I wend ahead and downloaded X410src-1.tgz, X410src-2.tgz, and X410src-3.tgz. Before you compile XFree86, make sure you edit …xc/config/cf/host.def so that the line reads #define BuildFonts YES if you want to install fonts. Just run “make World” and “make install” from the xc directory. So simple. If you have some fancy video card, maybe you will want to tweak the settings. Read the fine manual. One other thing that I had to do was to edit /etc/ld.so.conf, add the line /usr/X11R6/lib, and run ldconfig.