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Simply GNUstep Delivers UNIX, Simply

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the stuff-to-play-with dept.

Eugenia writes "A new, Linux-based operating system released recently, called Simply GNUstep and it is based on the GNUstep architecture, originally built by NeXT (OpenSTEP) and is now also used by MacOSX (Cocoa). The alpha version of the x86-based OS is available for download and boots off the 110 MB bootable CD. The cool thing about Simply GNUstep is its partial source compatibility with MacOSX programs (further compatibility is still worked on) and its clean infrastructure, as it only includes GnuSTEP graphical applications like WindowMaker, Mail.app etc. You can read an introduction article of the OS at OSNews."

2 of 396 comments (clear)

  1. Why Linux?? by aztektum · · Score: 5, Insightful

    That's not meant as a flame. I'm just curious why they chose Linux instead of a BSD. I don't exactly care to follow the licensing terms behind all the different open/free software so I'm unaware if that's an issue, but using a BSD would seem to be a wiser choice being that they're "trying" to get an OS X on x86.

    I dunno.

    --
    :: aztek ::
    No sig for you!!
  2. Re:The sad part is.... by Lemmy+Caution · · Score: 5, Insightful
    As I read the thread, ACK!! was describing his ideal work environment and needs. You said that he should just customize the environments that are available to his needs and (implicitly) stop complaining that things aren't quite to his liking out of the box.

    ACK!!'s feedback is actually important and valuable. The more people who adequately represent their own needs, the easier it is to create templates for profiling users and develop systems that fit those profiles. Yes, technically, with enough customization, 95% of distros can be made to fit 95% of the needs of 95% of the people, but relying too much on customization means that a lot of redundant work goes on (if over half the users are spending 2 hours making the same customization, wouldn't it make sense to make that customization available as a default?) and a lot of people who don't have the time to customize will go elsewhere (might not bother you, but personally I believe in network effects - the more people who use the platform I use, the more development will happen on that platform, and the more goodies I get.) Since open source development doesn't have focus groups and useability labs and market research, forums like this are frankly pretty good ways to present wishlists, complaints, and the like.