termcaps: xdm vs. startx

[Lowell Gilbert]

"Steve Franks" <stevefranks at ieee.org> writes:

> So if I run xdm on startup, when I log in, my up arrow gives '[[A' instead
> of command history, backspace, other keys have similar effects.  If I log in
> then do startx, everything works as expected.  It's really not an issue for
> me, I'm just curious.  I tried changing the line in /etc/ttys from ..... on
> xterm..... to .....on xterm-color.... with no apparent effects.  I presume
> there is some difference in terms of login scripts with xdm vs. startx?

You presume correctly.  The manual for each describe the full set of
options, but users will typically have a .xsession file in their home
directories for the former, and .xinitrc for the latter.

/etc/ttys is not relevant.  How the xterms get started within the X 
session is the key.