New, Modularized X Window Release Now Available for Download

By Leon Shiman, X.org -- X11R7.0 is the first release of the complete modularized and autotooled source code base for the X Window System. It is the first major version release of the X Window System in more than a decade. X11R6.9, its companion release, contains identical features and uses the exact same source code as X11R7.0, but uses the traditional imake build system. (Read the rest of the announcement below) These changes in source code management, which give openness and transparency to the source code base and employ current technology, invite a new generation of developers to contribute, building on the long tradition of the X Window System. The new modular format offers focused development and rapid, independent updates and distribution of tested modular components as they are ready, freed from the biennial maintenance release timetable.

X11R6.9 is comprised of many distinct components bonded in a single tree, based on imake. X11R7.0 splits that set of components into logically distinct modules, separately developed, built, and maintained by the community of X.Org developers. This simultaneous release gives a transition point for developers, builders, and vendors to adapt their practices to the new X.Org modular process.

X11R7.0 supports Linux and Solaris at this time, with other support pending. X11R7.1, the first modular roll-up release, is scheduled mid-2006. While the monolithic tree will continue to be fully supported and released, new feature development is expected to concentrate on the modular code base.

The X11R7.0 and X11R6.9 releases are the work of more than fifty volunteer contributors worldwide, working under the release management team of Kevin Martin (Head), Alan Coopersmith, and Adam Jackson, with the support of Red Hat, Sun Microsystems, and the unsupported, generous contribution of effort by Adam Jackson.

All X Window System Releases are available from ftp.X.Org and mirror sites worldwide (see http://wiki.x.org/Mirrors). They are distributed under the MIT ("X") License by the X.Org Foundation LLC. Information concerning organization, activities, and mailing lists can be found at www.X.Org. Membership is free and open to contributors. Sponsorship is encouraged to support the global activities of the X.Org Foundation. Current X.Org Sponsors include Sun Microsystems, HP, IBM, StarNet Communications, AttachmateWRQ, Hummingbird, and Integrated Computer Solutions Incorporated [ICS].

In continuous use for over 20 years, the X Window System provides the only standard platform-independent networked graphical window system bridging the heterogeneous platforms in today's enterprise: from network servers to desktops, thin clients, laptops, and hand-helds, independent of operating system and hardware.

* LINUX is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. "Solaris" is a trademark of Sun Microsystems. All company names are trademarks of their registered owners.

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Comments

Something you won't see here...

[Anonymous Coward]

This linux-related article is a stub. You can help Slashdot by expanding it.

Why do we need the X?

[dhasenan]

I've been using Windows for years. First they started with numbers after the name, then they put "Me!" instead, then something about experience points. Now that's not enough, and they want prefixes as well.

Screw the bastards. I'm going with Linux.

Re:Major version release?

[Anonymous Coward]

I would think that if you were used to getting a cheeseburger by driving to McDonalds, waiting in line, then ordering one, but then one day you were sitting in your office and decided that you wanted a cheeseburger and 50 ninja kangaroos showed up, sliced apart the McDonalds building with their jedi lightsabers and then delivered the parts to your office, inside of which they re-assembled the entire McDonalds and the re-assembled cook prepared a quarter-pounder just for you, that you might consider this a major change in the way you get your cheeseburger.

Even if the cheeseburger tasted exactly the same as it would have otherwise.

Re:In other news

[Red Warrior]

some may claim its survival of the fittest or evolution at work.

Really, I thought it was about intelligent design.

Re:Great...

[Sheetrock]

I have a 486 in the corner that's been compiling XFree since 1999.

Every so often I think about cancelling the job, but then I'd have to go shop for a space heater.