[comp.unix.ultrix] NeWS/X v. mit X11 server - summary of responses

steve@cs.hw.ac.uk (Steven Salvini) (06/15/91)

A couple of weeks ago I posted a request for views on the comparative
utility of the Sun NeWS/X server versus the mit X11R4 server.   I have
had an overwhelming response and I would like to take this opportunity of
thanking all those who replied.   I have tried to summarise the responses
in the article below - in case anyone is interested, the jury is still out
as to whether or not I trash OW completely in favour of the mit server.
However, it is certain that even if OW does survive it will only do so to
allow the use of old sunview applications awaiting upgrading to X compatibility
and not because anyone actually *wants* it!   The main points in favour
of the mit server for us is its availability for a wide range of hardware -
pretty essential for a network consisting of Sun3s, Sun4s in all their
various possible configurations, HPs & DECstations - and the wide range
of public domain software - again pretty essential in a poor university
environment! ;-(

(A number of people suggested that there is a need for something in the FAQ
 on the OW v. mit server debate - FAQ looker-afterers, wha'd'ya think?)

Steve.


Pro MIT server:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Server itself is smaller thus uses less disk space, less swap space and
less real memory.

The "installables" are also smaller.

Extensions available include the "SHAPE" extension but not Display PostScript
although this will be in R5.
(Note that scalable fonts are still possible in R4 but you must
build actual physical font files rather than simple Unix pipes.)

Has better XDMCP support.

Allows the creation of a uniform system across a wide range of different
vendor platforms.

Arguably less "buggy".

Free - including free software, free "support" via the net.

Lots of additional software in the public domain in a form that builds easily
with the X11R4 setup; note that this is not generally so for the OpenWindows
setup.

Con:	no Display PostScript, no commercial support, no accelerator board
support, sunview compatibility must be built yourself, no "pageview".


Pro NeWS/X server:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Extensions available include Display PostScript allowing scalable fonts, etc.
although "SHAPE" is unavailable in OW 2.0 despite Display PostScript in the
base server!?

"pageview" PostScript previewer as standard although "ghostscript", "xps"
and "ralpage" are all public domain alternatives which run on the mit server.

It is a commercial system thus you can demand commercial support.

The server includes support for graphics accelerator boards plus server
optimisation for Sun hardware.

Easy compatibility for sunview applications.

Con: memory/disk hog, no SHAPE extension, arguably buggier with slow turn-around
times for bug fixes, must buy source, public domain software tough to build for
OW, requires a higher spec machine, poor XDMCP support.

-----

A number of people gave suggested "minimum configurations" for running
OpenWindows - the consensus seemed to be a Sun3 with 8Mb or a Sun4 with
12Mb plus an appropriate graphics accelerator.

----

In summary, it would appear that the X/NeWS server is probably the server of
choice for people who like to run "vendor-supplied software straight out of
the box", who are
happy to rely on Sun
for software maintenance and who run only or mainly Sun hardware,
preferably Sun4s with loadsamemory and graphics accelerator cards.

On the other hand, the mit X11 server will appeal to those who don't mind
"getting their hands dirty", who are happy to rely on the net, etc. for support
and who regularly make use of public domain software.   It would appear to be
faster and less of a memory hog especially on Sun3s and machines lacking
loadsamemory and "go-faster" boards.   It is probably especially useful in
environments running a wide range of machines from a wide range of vendors
where a uniform system is required - important when trying to minimise
the load on support staff and when trying to encourage use by novice users.


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