Mac OS X in a Nutshell

Aqua-Like X Windows with OroborOSX

OroborOSX, developed by Adrian Umpleby, is a modified version of the oroborus GNOME-compliant X11 window manager created by Ken Lynch. It is designed to make X11 windows look and behave as much like Aqua as possible. Although OroborOSX includes a copy of the XDarwin server, it does not include supporting files such as user binaries, headers, and libraries. So, you should install XFree86 before running OroborOSX. Aside from the prerequisite software, one of the most Mac-like features of OroborOSX is its installation. After unpacking the tarball, drag the OroborOSX folder to the /Applications folder in the Finder. You might also consider adding its icon to the Dock.

To launch OroborOSX, double-click its icon. Launching OroborOSX also starts XDarwin in the background.

You will notice some differences immediately. The most obvious difference from other X11 window managers is that the xterm window frames look very similar to the Aqua Terminal windows. In particular, they have the Aqua-like buttons for closing, minimizing, and maximizing the window. Also, OroborOSX windows minimize to the Dock, just like other Aqua windows (other X11 window managers have their own locations for minimized windows). Figure 23-1 shows a Terminal window and an xterm side by side.

Figure 23-1. An Aqua Terminal window and an OroborOSX xterm window

Beyond simply looking the part, ...