Why does TCM sometimes show fewer or different colors?
This is probably caused by other programs that already run and which occupy too much entries in the X color map – leaving not enough for TCM. You are probably running in 8-bit (256 color) mode, and have other programs that use colors running on your display. Common culprits are background pictures or patterns, and Netscape, which is a notorious color hog. You can best start up TCM first because it takes only what it needs, and then start up Netscape and the other color eaters. Netscape can also be started with the options -install for using a private color map or with -ncols