Linux resloution question

Debian Linux - How do I make the resolution go up to 1280x1024? There is no option after 1024x768. My video card is an Sapphire ATi Radeon 9600 PRO

Option where?

You can always edit the X configuration file to your liking.

display properties?

Display properties in.. what? KDE? Gnome? Some god-knows-what fancy configuration utility?

Are you sure you set your monitor and video card type correctly?

Do you have the ATI drivers for Linux loaded?
If not, Linux will use the default VESA driver which has a max resolution of 1024x768...