Why doesn't Apple start making operating systems for x86 PC's 17418

Linux doesn't need a replacement for X11, but it needs an alternative that can co-exist with it (much the was X11 can co-exist on Macs with Apple's graphics and windowing system).

The big limitation of X is that it gives up a *lot* for the ability to run remotely over the network, and that is something that is not needed for the vast majority of desktop systems. (It's not even needed for most server systems most of the time, as usually what you run remotely is a terminal, and that is usually done via ssh in a local xterm, rather than running xterm on the server displaying on your local system).

I can't find their web page, and buttume they are long gone, but most of the Berlin project's reasons for trying to write a replaement for X for Linux were valid then, and still are, if anyone can find their list.

For an example of what you can do when you design a graphics system from the ground up for the desktop, take a look at the "Graphics and Media State of the Union" talk from the 2004 Apple WWDC. There's a link to the video on this page.

The things Apple is doing there are way beyond anything you can do on X11 (or Windows). (Their audio architecture, also covered in there, is way beyond everyone else).

-- --Tim Smith