The new version of MaXX Interactive Desktop has been released – the true successor to the great IRIX Interactive Desktop, which can only be found in SGI systems. This is not just a theme or skin on top of an existing window manager. This project aims to resurrect the IRIX Interactive Desktop and continue its evolution as if SGI still existed....
This release is considered 'base'. By base release, the author means that all efforts were focused on the core components of the environment, such as libraries, window manager, utility set, appearance, and performance.
The author also focused on preparing and documenting the next steps.
Finally, this release will be the last one using the current installation mechanism. It is simple and works, but the author wants to provide a more user-friendly installation mechanism with a new graphical installer. Java, combined with GraalVM, has been chosen for packaging the installer into an executable file, simplifying development and distribution.
Key Changes:
All core libraries have been updated to the latest version, including security fixes.
Complete SGI Motif Modern appearance with some of the latest fixes.
A fast and reliable theme switcher. This means you can dynamically switch from the classic SGI to the modern look with just a click. No restart required.
Support for Unicode, UTF-8, and anti-aliased text in 5DWM with customizable user parameters.
Japanese language support has been added to 5Dwm.
Xinerama support has been improved for reliable multi-monitor operation.
Window operations have been optimized, now consuming almost no CPU at all.
Reduced memory load across all components and applications.
Revised version of xsettingsd in anticipation of the introduction of MaXX Settings (expected in September 2020).
New horizontal layout for Toolchest.
The terminal has been updated, with improved UTF-8 support and font smoothing.
Preparation for the integration of the MSettings Configuration Management Service and the addition of configuration panels in the next release, which is expected to be out in one to two months.
MaXX Launcher for better management of desktop application launches.
ImageViewer, a super-fast and lightweight image viewing program.
New features have been added to tellwm and 5Dwm.
The Legacy SGI Motif v.2.1.32 library is no longer part of the distribution but will be available for separate download, allowing the launch of old Motif-based applications, such as the older Maya.
The GLUT library has also been excluded from the distribution. FreeGlut can be installed as a replacement.
Purpose and goals of the project
Source: linux.org.ru
