The version number is almost never mentioned in modern usage, since the previous
versions were experimental, and Version 11 has been in use for almost two decades
(though the release number keeps going up).
The dominance of the X.org implementation has led a number of people to refer to X
itself as Xorg or X dot org.
1.5 Seven Layers of an X-based GUI
It is Unix tradition to assemble solutions out of many small programs rather than to
use a single, monolithic program. This approach gives more flexibility, since these
smaller building blocks may be combined in different ways to meet different needs.
GUIs based on the X Window System follow this same philosophy??”they??™re built in
layers that can be mixed and matched as needed.
Figure 1-1 shows a simple model of the seven layers found in most X-based GUIs.
Client appearance Low-resolution, high-contrast (to
work with the display hardware)
with minimal customizability.
Shading, gradients, and fine visual
details take good advantage of
hardware capabilities. Themes
provide extensive opportunities for
easy customization.
Element Old X New X
1.5
1.5 Seven Layers of an X-based GUI 7
Elements at the top of the diagram are the most visible and important to the user,
and the components at the bottom of the diagram are the least visible.
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