Tip: Fix keyboard layout problem with Xorg Server 1.5.3 under FreeBSD

The Xorg Server was updated to version 1.5.3 and with it came much controversy.

I had a nice xorg.conf customized for my hardware and it served me for over a year, however all of a sudden my keyboard layout options weren't read by Xorg. The way input devices were configured in Xorg changed, now being configured by hal.

Browsing the mailing lists, /usr/ports/UPDATING and forum I came across several solutions here's the one I decided to implement:

1. % su
2. # vi /etc/xorg.conf

Section "ServerFlags"
Option "AllowEmptyInput" "off"
Option "AutoAddDevices" "off"
EndSection

Basically I've edited xorg.conf and added options to disable Xorg's use of hal features. Do take notice that I use a window manager (lately Fluxbox) so I don't need hal.

Anyone needing hal will need to resort to other options. Browse FreeBSD's mailing lists between late January and early February for more info.