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

Omium Flash Potential?

[JoeShmoe950]

I heard that the new Exa acceleration system raises the overall omium flash potential (for the lazy, http://www.google.com/search?q=omium+flash). Couldn't this lead to more monitor burn out (even on LCD's), and overheating of graphics cards?

Re:I usually don't complain...

[Burz]

I think XFree86 was upto about THREE tacked-on shell-based configuration utilities. None of them really did the job.

With Xorg, now we have one config utility and it doesn't even display a testpattern with a timeout!

The community really should dump X11 for good. It has no sysadmin focus because server rooms shun it, and it has no end-user focus either. What do we get for using it? That great Unix "superiority" that allows you to run applications remotely *IF* you can use ssh; Meanwhile Windows users can share a window among multiple remote users and even "whiteboard" over the display, along with chat and videoconferencing. BUT!!! X11 is "superior".

Remember that. Try real hard.

Re:I usually don't complain...

[ookaze]

Dear god, mod parent up. I couldn't agree more!!!!!

You must be a troll too then ...

Changing your refresh rate, resolution or anything else is a fscking nightmare.

Actually it's not, it's very simple. There are a command line tool, and applets for both of the major DE to do just that.

The X.org guys rely on DDC information, but for those us who are hooked via BNC or any other method that doesn't provide DDC information, it's hacking the file manually.

So you complain about XOrg when the reason is your outdated hardware ?

I posted suggestions on the X mailing list in 1999 and those problems are still here today. It's 2005, in a few days it'll be 2006, can we please have a decent tool for editing / changing options?

Let me get this straight : you complain that the newest XOrg does not trip over itself to support your 80ish hardware by setting it up automagically, when your hardware does not provide the functionality, and when this work actually belongs to the manufacturer, adding the fact that XOrg gives you a workaround but you won't accept it because it means manual editing ????!!!!!!
My previous 21" monitor (a Iiyama) was hooked through a VGA-BNC cable to my Linux box, and XOrg detected the DDC info without problem, and it was an old model already.
You won't even find monitor with BNC anymore.
The problem you're talking about that is still here today is your hardware, especially if you won't use the workaround provided to you by XOrg, and if your manufacturer won't support you.
I agree about the decent tool though.