DirectFB needs a Linux kernel with frame buffer support. Check the documentation in the kernel tree (/usr/src/linux/Documentation/fb/) on how to enable the frame buffer device for your graphics card. Install DirectFB by running the following commands: ./configure --prefix=/usr && make && make install This release is incompatible with FreeType as of version 2.1.5. The problem manifests itself at runtime (e.g. with the quingy application and the df_fonts example). The only solution at the present time is to link DirectFB against an older version of FreeType. If you decided to add optional image and video providers then you have to install DirectFB-extra package too: ./configure --prefix=/usr && make && make install The current version of avifile does not work with DirectFB. You have to use the avifile version which can be found at or alternatively disable the avifile video provider by calling configure with --disable-avifile.