Xgl, the future of X server?

xbennyboy · 02-10-2006, 10:15 PM

I've been hearing stuff about the new developments in the Linux interface, especially Novell's demonstration of Xgl and Compiz. I, being the naturally curious guy that I am, want to know:

1.) What are the CPU requirements for such advanced desktop composition features? How much RAM would it need? Could Xgl run on an old computer outfitted with a decent graphics card?
2.) How much of the original X server is retained in Xgl? Is Xgl an extension or a total remake of X server? What is their primary difference (in the way they draw windows and stuff)?
3.) Would ALL programs compatible with X be compatible with Xgl?

I would be glad if you guys could enlighten me on this topic.

Basel · 02-11-2006, 06:17 AM

Source: http://www.novell.com/linux/xglrelease/

Quote:

Novell Raises the Bar for the Linux Desktop
Significant enhancements to Xgl framework enable development
of advanced graphics to enhance functionality for end users

Novell is announcing its contribution of the Xgl graphics subsystem and the 'Compiz ' compositing manager to the X.org project. These enhancements open up a whole world of hardware acceleration, fancy animation, separating hardware resolution from software resolution, and more. As a result, Linux desktops will become more usable, end-user productivity will increase, and Linux is firmly positioned at the forefront of client computing technology.

Under the leadership of Novell's David Reveman, Novell has sponsored and led the development of this powerful new graphics subsystem for Linux since late 2004. Xgl is the X server architecture layered on top of OpenGL and takes advantage of available accelerated 3D rendering hardware. It is designed to integrate well with the composite extension and performs best when a compositing manager is running. 'Compiz' is the new OpenGL compositing manager from Novell and is the framework that enables the development of graphical plug-ins.

Both projects are being hosted on freedesktop.org and the latest code can be found in the CVS repository. Link to source code and tarballs for public download: http://cvs.freedesktop.org/xorg/xser..._tag=xgl-0-0-1 (The latest Xgl source code can be found in the xg-0-0-1 branch of the Xorg tree).

EDIT: The guys over the link below have some detailed discussion about Xgl:
http://www.linuxedge.org/?q=node/55

XavierP · 02-11-2006, 07:57 AM

http://www.linuxquestions.org/linux/...ion_X_server_0

xbennyboy · 02-12-2006, 12:13 AM

Hmm, I see. Still no system requirements though and the articles are vague about whether you could actually revert back to the original x server style of drawing things for older computers.

WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot · 02-23-2006, 01:26 AM

Hmm, i dont remember the exact links but i saw on some forums people claiming that they were able to get similiar effects as seen on the video using old hardware ( one person was using a P4 celeron mobile laptop with an onboard intel graphics chip :-s ). My feelings about the topic are that since XGL uses hardware acceleration to accomplish everything on the desktop ( i think its 100%, not sure though ) the load taken off the CPU is immense. and since even onboard intel chips have enough power to work out a nice desktop on their own ( mayby you wont enjoy the movie and gamming effects the video showed ) the XGL implementation should work faster than your current X11 server or any XP gui you might run on your computer.

about reverting back, i havnt read anything about and frankly dont see why you would want to do that. if XGL works as written on paper, it should be faster than your current GUI. on a side not, i have heard that for now, XGL may only run on gnome ( not sure but they may not have KDE support yet ).

well, atleast i know what changes i am going to make to my fedora box this weekend ( hopefully :P ) so the comming spring break from uni i can show off my comp to my "computer savy yet XP friends"

Resistance Is Futile !!