problems trying to execute XBMC in ubuntu server 8.04.1

[perfmode]

Let me preface this by saying I am completely new to linux.

I'm trying to get XBMC running on my Dell Inspiron 6000 laptop on Ubuntu Server 8.04.1.

To start XBMC, I type the following commands in command line:

$ cd XBMC
$ ./xbmc.bin


Everytime I do that, I get this error:

Cannot get root display. Is X11 running and is your DISPLAY variable set?


I have gnome-core installed.

What should I try to do next?

How do I configure XBMC (or my graphics card) to output video through the s-video port on my laptop? I have Intel 915GM integrated graphics.

[snuggidk]

You have to install the drivers for your graphics card and then configure them with xorg .. I dont know how to do with your exact type of gfx but I am sure someone else knows .. And maybe you have to change to the generic kernel too instead of the server-kernel .. only maybe.. I had alot of problems with audio and gfx on the server kernel (nvidia-gfx) ..

[phunqe]

Out of curiosity, you say you are new to linux. Why are you running the server version? Is it better for the laptop or something?

[althekiller]

Out of curiosity, you say you are new to linux. Why are you running the server version? Is it better for the laptop or something?

No it isn't better for a laptop and yes, he should be using the desktop version until he knows what he's doing.

[nitroxeno]

rrambo created a good guide that should help you out. XBMC on 7.10 Server, Minimal Install with no GDM (http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=32891)