[oclug]For the Mac / Linux fans

[Brad Barnett]

On 09 Jan 2003 17:51:53 -0500
James Leigh <james2002 at canada.com> wrote:

> On Thu, 2003-01-09 at 17:03, Brad Barnett wrote:
> > On Thu, 09 Jan 2003 16:20:29 -0500
> > Brian's Linux Box <b_mckee at myrealbox.com> wrote:
> > 
> > > http://www.apple.com/ca/press/2003_01/x11.html
> [snip]
> > 
> > Bah.
> > 
> > This has as much place on this list as BSD, Solaris, or Windows
> > advocacy does.
> > 
> > What do I care if a Corporation that gives very little back to the
> > community has improved it's ability to leech off of the success of
> > Linux?
> 
> I disagree here. many of us here talk about how linux is so great (it
> is), but it would have gotten no where without GNU and Free software. 
> Mac OS X has plowed new ground at becoming a major desktop based on a
> unix core.  Maybe Apple has not always been very nice too Free software,
> but this is a chance for Free software to get some new audience.  Maybe
> once the Mac community see the power of Free software they might even
> change kernel (i can dream). 

1) I doubt many computer users know one bit about the Mac's new "Unix
Core"

2) It's no longer free software, it's been eaten by Apple.  It's now Apple
software, ala BSD license.

3) This isn't a BSD or Unix list, it is a Linux list

4) Most software running on the Mac is not Free

>   I think this creates a new and exciting compatibility layer.  Think
> about all the proprietary software that keeps window users on windows
> and macs users on OSX.  If X11 becomes standard on OSX, then we might
> see commercial apps written on X11.  This would make porting the app to
> linux much easier, making switching to linux that much easier for all
> newbies.  Its a long ways off, but i think this is a good first step.
>   Another note that their X11 layer is based on xfree86 4.2.1 (which is
> awesome).  Imagine commercial games written in X11, or quicktime linux
> port.  This shows that Apple is listen to the Free software wagen and
> maybe they'll help out some time down the road.
> 

All interesting points.  However, X11 will unlikely become standard on
OSX.  In fact, with Apples pathetic attitude towards closed-mindedness,
I'm very surprised they even did this.


> some other references:
> http://www.apple.com/macosx/x11/
> http://www.gnomedesktop.com/article.php?sid=425
> 
> my two cents,
> james
>