Linux From Scratch
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# Installing Kbd

## Installation of Kbd

Install Kbd by running the following commands:

> `./configure --datadir=/usr/share/kbd &&`
> `make &&`
> `make install &&`
> `rm /usr/share/kbd/keymaps/i386/qwerty/defkeymap.map.gz`

Now we have to choose a default keymap. Explore the /usr/share/kbd/keymaps directory, and find the keymap that you would like to use as a default. Then execute this command:

> `cd /usr/share/kbd/keymaps &&`
> `ln -s <path-to-keymap> defkeymap.map.gz`

Replace `<path-to-keymap>` with the path to the keymap you have selected, relative to the /usr/share/kbd/keymaps/ directory. For example, if you have chosen the US keymap, you would replace it with i386/qwerty/us.map.gz.

## Command explanations

`--datadir=/usr/share/kbd:` This puts the kbd data files (fonts, keymaps, and such) in the /usr/share/kbd directory, as the FHS suggests.

`rm /usr/share/kbd/keymaps/i386/qwerty/defkeymap.map.gz:` We remove this file because we don't know which keymap you need to use.

`ln -s <path-to-keymap> defkeymap.map.gz` With this command you set the default keymap that can be loaded using the `loadkeys -d` command.

## Contents

The Kbd package contains the chvt, deallocvt, dumpkeys, fgconsole, getkeycodes, kbd_mode, kbdrate, loadkeys, loadunimap, mapscrn, psfxtable, resizecons, screendump, setfont, setkeycodes, setleds, setmetamode, setvesablank, showfont, showkey, unicode_start, and unicode_stop programs. There are some other programs that don't get installed by default, as they are very optional. Take a look at the Kbd package contents if you have trouble with your console.

## Description

### chvt

chvt changes foreground virtual terminal.

### deallocvt

deallocvt deallocates unused virtual terminals.

### dumpkeys

dumpkeys dumps keyboard translation tables.

### fgconsole

fgconsole prints the number of the active virtual terminal.

### getkeycodes

getkeycodes prints the kernel scancode-to-keycode mapping table.

### kbd_mode

kbd_mode reports or sets the keyboard mode.

### kbdrate

kbdrate sets the keyboard repeat and delay rates.

### loadkeys

loadkeys loads keyboard translation tables.

### loadunimap

loadunimap loads the kernel unicode-to-font mapping table.

### mapscrn

mapscrn loads a user defined output character mapping table into the console driver. Note that it is obsolete and that its features are built into setfont.

### psfxtable

psfxtable is a tool for handling Unicode character tables for console fonts.

### resizecons

resizecons changes the kernel idea of the console size.

### screendump

A screen shot utility for the console.

### setfont

This lets you change the EGA/VGA fonts in console.

### setkeycodes

setkeycodes loads kernel scancode-to-keycode mapping table entries.

### setleds

setleds sets the keyboard LEDs. Many people find it useful to have numlock enabled by default, and it is by using this program that you can achieve this.

### setmetamode

setmetamode defines the keyboard meta key handling.

### setvesablank

This lets you fiddle with the built-in hardware screensaver (not toasters, only a blank screen).

### showfont

showfont displays data about a font. The information shown includes font information, font properties, character metrics, and character bitmaps.

### showkey

showkey examines the scancodes and keycodes sent by the keyboard.

### unicode_start

unicode_start puts the console in Unicode mode.

### unicode_stop

unicode_stop reverts keyboard and console from unicode mode.

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