Making Mac OS X Work Like X Windows?

X Fiend asks: "Is it possible to configure Mac OS X's window manager to run in a client-server mode like X Windows? I'd like to use my (rather anemic) iBook as an X Terminal, with apps running on my (manly dual-processor) desktop machine, but I don't want to have to use X Windows to do it- I want to use Mac OS X's native window manager. Any ideas?"

Comments

Not possible

[teridon]

The closest you'll get to this is using software like VNC, Apple Remote Desktop, or Timbuktu to display the desktop's screen on your laptop.

Re:Yawn. Here ya go:

[TiMac]

Point a) is quite correct. Apple Remote Desktop is a (rather poor) OS X implementation of Apple Network Assistant 4, which served for years as the may to manage multiple Macs at once. Both ANA and ARD transmit a complete bitmap of the screen across the network, including the remote cursor, and its performance is not only tough on some networks, it is slow as a dog. It is great to be able to watch what is going on on the machine if you are away from it, but it is not nearly the same.

Point b) is also very valid because it details what the intended purpose of different technologies is. Whereas X allows you to load JUST an application, such as eterm, on the remote machine, ARD forces the entire server screen buffer to be loaded...in its own window (blech!). X also lets you log into the server as any user and run programs, regardless of which user is currently logged into the GUI. ARD forces you to use the current user, and takes the machine over.

mithras was right in his analysis of the technology. ARD is to be used in labs, large deployments, etc to manage multiple machines (install files, mass reboot, system status, monitoring, etc), but is hardly a client-server ideal setup like X.

I had heard somewhere that rumors persist of the hooks still existing in OS X, but the APIs are secret. That's not fact though. I WISH Apple would produce a system like that, but I fear they will not. It might also be possible that because of how Display PDF works (creating a PDF for each screen element, then compositing them together), it is not possible to merely send the screen draw APIs. Maybe?

But if you're like me, and you WANT this capability, Tell Apple!

try VNC

[constantnormal]

here's a link for the only OS X VNC server that I know of:
http://www.redstonesoftware.com/osxvnc/

Other VNC servers and clients can be found at:
www.realvnc.com

It works, but you'd better be running a 100Mbps LAN with plenty of horsepower on both ends of the connection. OS X is a lotta GUI to be managing remotely.

Re:Yawn. Here ya go:

[skinfitz]

I was under the impression - admittedly a glib one - that it's possible to send remote Aqua events using Applescript over any of the network layers.

It may be, but not for ARD.

I also was under the impression - mistakenly, since you've said ARD is a bitmap pusher - that ARD used this capability to reduce network clutter.

If only. It's a bitmap pusher, that's all.

The bitmap issue, of course, is key. VNC wins, hands-down - since ARD ain't free.

VNC is also MUCH more reliable and can easily be invoked (and shut down) from a remote shell.

If it came down to it, though, ARD will still get the job done - and may have the added advantage that with a fast network connection, ARD may one day be able to do such things as play Quicktime movies (albeit buffered) seamlessly ...

ARD is not suitable as an X replacement. For starters it only supports one client connection at a time. Secondly it freezes - often. No good having a remote admin tool if it doesnt work. Thirdly it's bandwidth intensive, as it's a bitmap pusher. Admittedly bandwidth is becoming less of an issue however the less you need to push around the faster you can do it.

Also, isn't ARD included with all 10.2 Server packages now?

No it isn't, but it should be.

ARD is a screen controller, nothing more. There is also the security aspect - if you are controlling a machine remotely, anyone who is physically able to can see what you are doing and take over at any time. For example - someone sees you log in as the admin, or perhaps root then unplugs the network cable to tinker with the box. This would not be possible with correctly configured X.

coming soon to a aqua screen near you?

[spike666]

the multiple user GUI Aqua interface rumor has been running around for a while. most recently Mac OS Rumors has been reporting that it is something Apple is working on. MOSR recommends those who want to be able to use Aqua as if it were X-windows should contact Apple and make the request.

but to answer your question, there is NO way to do what you want short of taking over the desktop machine's screen. (or buying a new faster *book...)

Re:Sloppy Focus

[foniksonik]

Go to Versiontracker and search for VirtualDesktop. This software besides giving you virtual desktops (up to 100 in a 10 x 10 grid) also enables 'focus follows mouse' which is in essence sloppy focus and works pretty damn well...

try it you won't be dissapointed.