How to switch laptop video under Linux?

[redss]

I have a dell laptop that switches the vga output signal between the internal and external monitor when I hit function-F8 under Windows XP.

Is there a way to accomplish the same switching under Linux?

 

[frozenlead]

Most function keys I've encountered don't require an OS to use - their functions are hard wired, and will produce the same result under any OS. Now, whether or not Linux will crash when it receives the command is a different story...but I'm sure it won't be that bad.

 

[cheaptofix]

same. its the bios that controls the external vga output not the operating system check bios.