MacX 2.0: Read Me document

MacX 2.0 Read Me

Introduction
MacX is Apple's enhanced X Window System software for Power Macintosh and 68K Macintosh platforms. MacX's server implementation combined with X11R6.1 server technology, provides Mac OS users with the ability to concurrently access and display Macintosh applications and network-based X applications.

MacX version 2.0 offers significant enhancements from the previous versions. Primary among these is X11 release 6.1 compatibility.

This file contains an introduction to the product as well as useful additions and corrections to the product documentation. We suggest that you print and carefully read this file before you start working with the applications. Then keep it for reference as a supplement to your product documentation.

Documentation
The full manual ("MacX User Guide"), in Adobe Acrobat format, will be installed with an "Easy Install." The manual will be placed in the "Documentation" folder within the "MacX Application" folder wherever you target your installation. If you'd like to read the document before installing the software, you'll also find it in the "Documentation" folder on this CD. Note that you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed to open the MacX User Guide. You'll find an installer for the Acrobat Reader software in the "Apple Extras" folder on this CD. Additional information about Adobe Acrobat is found later in this document.

Installation

680x0 vs. PowerPC
MacX can be installed on Mac OS computers equipped with 680x0 and PowerPC processors. Easy install will provide the correct binary version for your computer (running optimally on either 680x0 or PowerPC equipped computers). To install the FAT version, you will need to perform a custom installation.

Note: If you are using a Power Macintosh Upgrade Card, you must install the 680x0 version of the software to use it when your machine is in 680x0 mode.


System Requirements

To run the MacX package you will need the following:

• At least 8 MB of RAM for 680x0-based computers and 16 MB of RAM for PowerPC processor-based computers.
• 8 megabytes of available disk space.
• System 7.1 or later; System 7.5.3 or later recommended.
• A Macintosh or Mac OS-compatible computer with a 68030 or faster processor.
• If you are running Open Transport, version 1.1.1 or later is highly recommended.
• CD-ROM drive
  

MacX version 2.0 Features

X11 Release 6.1 Support
Major client features in X11R6.1 are multi-threading support, additional internationalization support, and new toolkit and desktop management specifications, including support for drag and drop. Additional information about X11 release 6.1 can be found at:

http://www.opengroup.org/tech/desktop/x/gettingx.htm

MacX version 2.0 can display windows and graphics created by clients that take advantage of the preceding X11R6.1 features. Additionally, the server supports the following new X11R6.1 extensions:

RECORD
DOUBLE-BUFFER
ICE X Rendezvous
SYNC

Open Transport Ready

MacX version 2.0 now provides native support for the Open Transport networking architecture. Previously, MacX communicated with Open Transport through MacTCP. Using Open Transport APIs MacX now interacts directly with Open Transport. This direct interface further enhances server performance, particularly on PowerPC systems. MacX no longer uses the "MacTCP Tool," though it does continue to run on MacTCP systems.

Additional MacX version 2.0 Features

• The option of treating the Macintosh Option key as an X windows Alt key was added to the Misc. Preferences... command from the Edit menu.
• The Host... button in the New and Edit Remote commands has been replaced with the Host data entry field and a Validate button on those same dialog boxes. Click Validate to determine if the host you entered is recognized by your Domain Name Server (DNS). (Note that the Validate button does not verify connectivity between your Macintosh and the specified host. You should use a Ping application to do this.) If you do not enter a host as part of a remote command, you will be prompted for the host when you attempt to execute the command. With this feature, you can use the same remote command for multiple hosts.
• Cutting and pasting between X and Macintosh applications has been enhanced to support Compound Text.

MacX General Features

• X11R6.1 compliance.
• Bundles MacTCP 2.0.6 and support for Open Transport.
• Accelerated for Power Macintosh (fat binary for PowerPC and 68K support).
• Standard X11 R6 fonts (.PCF, .BDF files), and X11 font server access.
• CDE fonts.
• Standard X11 XDM support (to start Unix X sessions).
• Remote login option for TCP (REXEC, RSH).
• Support for XIE (X Image Extension).
• Support for core Apple events.
• Balloon Help.
• Multiple monitor support.
• Simultaneous use of Rooted or Rootless windows with built-in window management for Rootless windows.
• Cut and Paste of text or graphics.

Other Tidbits

The following shortcuts or hints may prove useful:

• To move or resize any X client window quickly, press the option-command key and use the mouse.
• To scroll within a rooted X window, press the option-command keys and mouse button.
• To edit a remote command quickly, press the option key when selecting a command from the Remote menu.

Known Problem Areas

The following areas are known to have minor problems:

• Shaped parent windows don't work perfectly in Rootless mode.
• Color Palette management with two Macintosh monitors is less than optimal.
• GrayScale monitors default to PseudoColor visual.
• Compound Text (utilized by Motif libraries) is not currently supported for Rootless window titles.

Known Conflicts

The following areas are suspected conflicts with other products for Macintosh computers:

• Older versions of Symantec's AutoDoubler may hang MacX during program startup on some PowerPC machines. Versions of AutoDoubler newer than 2.0.5 may cure the problem.
• Open Transport users should upgrade to a current release (Open Transport 1.1 or later, which is automatically installed with System 7.5.3 on both Power Macintosh and 68K platforms).
• MacTCP users with older System installs may suffer hang conditions under heavy network loads. In this situation, Apple's NSI 1.5.1 network update may help by updating the low level Ethernet drivers. Do not use the earlier NSI 1.5 update. Even with NSI 1.5.1, it is still possible to hang under heavy loads of small packets (for example, maze client).
• When starting MacX with insufficient free memory, the Code Fragment Manager may erroneously report "The Application MacX could not be started because the shared library XIE could not be found."

Installing the Acrobat Reader

In order to view the MacX User Guide, the Acrobat Reader program must be installed on your computer's hard disk. If you need to install the Acrobat Reader on your computer's hard disk, follow these steps:

1. Start up your computer from the hard disk on which you want to install the Acrobat Reader.

2. Insert the MacX Software CD-ROM disc.

3. Open the Adobe Acrobat Reader folder in the Apple Extras folder and follow the installation instructions in the file titled Installing Acrobat Reader.

The Acrobat Reader requires more than 3.5 megabytes of memory to work properly. When you attempt to open a PDF document, if Acrobat Reader is unable to find a section of memory large enough, Acrobat Reader displays two messages. The first message says that the Adobe Type Manager (ATM) couldn't be installed because it requires more memory or additional system software resources. When you click OK, a second message appears, saying that ATM version 3.6 or newer must be installed and that Acrobat Reader is quitting. Usually, the reinstallation process recommended by these messages is not necessary. Instead, try freeing up memory by quitting some of the other applications that are currently running on your computer, and then attempt to reopen the PDF document.