Related to the F17 issue with missing buildrequires, I checked the fltk backend in el6. The mesa libraries are in the buildroot, and the fltk backend gets compiled. However, when I tried to use the backend on a centos6 machine over ssh, I got a segfault: octave:1> graphics_toolkit("fltk") octave:2> x=0:.1:2*pi; octave:3> plot(x,sin(x)) Insufficient GL support Insufficient GL support Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault. Fl_Gl_Window::make_current (this=0x2ea34d0) at Fl_Gl_Window.cxx:146 146 context_ = fl_create_gl_context(this, g); I'm guessing the GL libraries are too old in EL6, so maybe the fltk support should be disabled in EL6.
1. that error comes from fltk indeed 2. I think it's because your X *server* requires working gl support (ie, the box you're ssh'ing *from*).
Fwiw, it works for me ok, ssh'ing from an oldish f14 box (with known-working opengl) to a el6 box with octave, and running those commands you typed.
Well, as it works for you then closing.