MANSFIEL@EMBL.BITNET (Niall Mansfield) (05/31/87)
Summary: We have to choose between SunWindows and X for future development. I'm leaning towards X, but need more detailed and informed comment, so I can make a stronger case. Verbose Form: We've just got a few Suns, and are starting to do real work on them. Undoubtedly, we will need to choose a window system, and stick with it for a long time. I'm sure that someone will argue we should use the Sun system because it must be better: after all, it cost money, whereas X is free. My own view is that we should go for X because: 1. Free Software is a good thing in itself. 2. Free software is often good software, because its high exposure causes most of the bugs to be found quicker, and lots of razor sharp minds (like yours) are constantly working on it. 3. It's networkable. 4. It's not dependent on one manufacturer who has more or less got you captive. In the next couple of weeks, a decision will have to be made here, and I'd be very grateful if anybody could give me info or comments on the issues, whether for or against X. Does the advent of NeWS change the perspective, as (3) above applies to it, and if Sun licence it, then (4) will too? Thanks, Niall
john@hpljju.mit.EDU (John Uebbing) (06/01/87)
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