Personally, I agree with most of the gripes people have with X. Remote display is nice, but how many users (read END USERS) actually use this feature on a day-to-day basis? I've always thought that the big problem with getting people to migrate to Linux has been the lack of a good, standard, FAST GUI. Don't get my wrong, I'm not a die-hard Windows lover, but I've never spent much time under Win98 watching individual widgets draw themselves when I resided a window.
I can't say where the GUI debate will take UNIX's, but I would recommend the following :
First, write a version of X that bypasses remote display completely, speeding up the interface. Do this by implementing standard Xlib functions in a non-standard way. Don't use sockets, don't use anything that will slow down graphics display. Those who want speed can link with fast libraries. Those who want remote display can link with standard X11.
Next, begin work on a new, improved GUI with STANDARDS!!!!! I'm a firm believer that there is a GUI that is both easy-to-use for secretaries (read Adminstrative Assistants), and highly customizable so coders don't have to admit they're using something built for MBA's.
Undoubtedly, this will be a long road, as all major design changes are, BUT IT HAS TO HAPPEN if Linux is to take over the desktop.
I agree. I work on a pc connected via X remotely to a UNIX box ALL DAY, EVERY DAY, and I would STILL be willing to trade a bit of remote display speed for a faster local display. Besides, who's to say that an add-on package has to make remote-display slower?
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I can't say where the GUI debate will take UNIX's, but I would recommend the following :
First, write a version of X that bypasses remote display completely, speeding up the interface. Do this by implementing standard Xlib functions in a non-standard way. Don't use sockets, don't use anything that will slow down graphics display. Those who want speed can link with fast libraries. Those who want remote display can link with standard X11.
Next, begin work on a new, improved GUI with STANDARDS!!!!! I'm a firm believer that there is a GUI that is both easy-to-use for secretaries (read Adminstrative Assistants), and highly customizable so coders don't have to admit they're using something built for MBA's.
Undoubtedly, this will be a long road, as all major design changes are, BUT IT HAS TO HAPPEN if Linux is to take over the desktop.
I agree. I work on a pc connected via X remotely to a UNIX box ALL DAY, EVERY DAY, and I would STILL be willing to trade a bit of remote display speed for a faster local display. Besides, who's to say that an add-on package has to make remote-display slower?
On the HP ScanJet 4P SCSI :
It will proceed to play "Ode to Joy" using variations in the scan-head motor speed.