When I started Nexuiz for my first time, the resolution went all screwy and I hit ctr alt del and it said it was not responding so I ended it and my resolution went back to normal.

Is that normal?

Yes. The game changes your screen resolution when it is running (in full screen mode). When the game ends, or when you ALT-TAB to your desktop, your screen resolution snaps back to normal.

This is the way it is in Windows. I don't remember how it acts in Linux because it's been a few months, but I'm assuming it's the same.

Normally you can use the F10 Button to quit Nexuiz.

mmh.. excellently placed closest possible to the screenshot button.