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OroborOSX: XDarwin Aqua-Like Window Manager
UnanimousCoward writes: "I've just downloaded OroborOSX, "A modified Oroborus-based X11 window manager for use with XFree86 and XDarwin on Mac OS X." It's truly a wm worthy of standing side-by-side with Aqua in rootless mode. Here are some screenshots from Jonathan Tyzack (I'm too lazy to create my own, but my experience is the same). Using MacGimp under OroborOSX is awesome ..." The original Oroborus looks interesting as well; the original author has discontinued work on Oroborus, but it looks like the code has found a nice new application.
I do use the original, but when I want to run X Window appliations the user interface looks very different because of the window manager in use on the Xfree86 side. This kind of project helps make the whole UI more consistent. Bear in mind that the Quartz rendering engine for the Mac OS X display can't display X11 applications.
-- Solaris Central - http://w
...it looks hideous matched with the unixy-flat grey and squared off buttons inside the pretty Aqua window borders. It's like if someone putting leather seats inside of a Yugo and thinking it stands side by side with his neighbor's Lexus. It comes off as a half-assed knockoff.
I hear people all the time saying that Linux (and it's most popular apps)are not at all original but merely doing its best to ape other OSes (Linux-Unix, KDE-Windows, GIMP-Photoshop, StarOffice-MS Office). Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of Linux but things like this seem lame and add weight to thier perceptions.
I personally feel that to argue that derivative work is somehow ... Bad ... is a bit off the mark. Every major art movement in history has been based on a group of artists feeding off each other in a certain vein producing work that looks similar when compared to the establishment, but with significant differences.
I love my 'iMac' kettle. Its a kettle, but it has an iMac 'feel' about it. It's great! Personally, I feel the kettle designer guy that saw an iMac and thought 'I can do that to a kettle!' was inspired!
Lexus tries to make their cars look like Mercedes. Everyone knows this - everyone that owns a Lexus would like a Mercedes if they are honest - they just can't afford the 40% extra for one. But why shouldn't they be able to enjoy something like a Mercedes for less? This is democratic design in action - Apple has improved the world by making Aqua so pretty - lets all nick it and enjoy it in cheaper forms! Increase the peace! Spread the joy!
And to argue that Apple will stop innovating if everyone gets to copy it is like argueing Mercedes will stop making cars because Lexus is getting close! Apple exists because it innovaties and enough people will pay the premium for Macs because they are prettier.