Installing and Using the X Virtual Framebuffer, Xvfb

Question:

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 1997 14:10:41 -0700 (PDT)
From: "E. Mayorga" 
Subject: X virtual frame buffer and -unmapped
To: Ferret User's Group 

I want to create GIF images in batch processes, when no X session is on.
ferret -unmapped has worked well when an X session is on, but that
restriction leads to other complications. I understand I need to install
the X virtual frame buffer, which is supposed to be a standard component
of X11. I've asked 3 system managers, and none of them have dealt with
Xvfb before (I found some relevant links on the web). I use Solaris 2.5 on
a SPARC 10.

Has anyone installed the Xvfb before? Where do I get it? Once installed
(any hints on how to do that?), how do I use it -- that is, does someone
have an example of the sequence of commands you would need to send a
ferret -unmapped [journal file] command to the Xvfb?

Explanation:

The X virtual framebuffer (Xvfb) is an X server that can run on machines with no display hardware and no physical input devices. It emulates a dumb framebuffer using virtual memory. It is an included component of X11R6, but not in earlier X releases.

Xvfb is a useful utility for Ferret because it allows graphic output without having an Xserver running.

Solution:

For those running X11R5, it is still possible to install and use Xvfb. We have created a tar file with the necessary binaries to run Xvfb under X11R5 for Digital Unix and Solaris systems. For those with X11R6, these documents also contain information on setting up and using Xvfb:

Last modified: Oct 27, 2003