The-X-Window System

Another important component of Linux is its graphical user interface, The X Window system. Unix was originally mouse less, text-based system that used noisy teletype machines rather than modern CRT monitors. The Unix command interface is very sophisticated and, even today, some power users prefer it to a point-and-click graphical environment, using their monitor as though it were a noiseless Teletype. Nevertheless Unix now provides users a choice of graphical or command interfaces.

X is a unique graphical user interface in two major respects. First, X integrates with a computer network, letting users access local and remote applications. Second, X lets you configure its look and feel to an amazing degree. To do so you run a special application-called a window manager- on top of X.

All the windows on the screen, keyboard and mouse user interface on Unix systems are possible thanks to the X windows server. Must applications which run straight on an X window start with x or capital X.

Although you can run X windows by itself using another layer call desktop can help you work more efficiently. A desktop is a set of desktop tools and applications such as Netscape, Real Audio, and accessories such as note pads, calculators games, or dictionaries. You can choose window managers depending on your desktop. GNOME and KDE are some of the desktops managers used at CCRMA. Sawfish is the default window manager in GNOME and you can change the feel and looks of your windows and backgrounds by using the configuration tools of your desktop of choice.