"I've written a lengthy article covering what I learned during the last two years building the Xegl display server. Topics include the current X server, framebuffer, Xgl, graphics drivers, multiuser support, using the GPU, and a new display server design. Hopefully it will help you fill in the pieces and build an overall picture of the graphics landscape."
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Member since:2005-07-07
Historically X Windows was given a really low 'nice value'. As convoluted as this sounds a low 'nice value' = 'higher priority' under Windows. Most Linux ditros don't do this anymore, as it has been advised to just let the kernel scheduler figure out what priority the windowing system needs. While niceing the windowing system to -10 gave a 'speed boost' it was determined that this was prone to causing higher latencies and and starving other processes. The 'modern linux way' is to 'get the bloody scheduler right' so you don't have to do hackey priority boosting to speed up the windowing system. IMHO, this is the right idea (especially since linux isn't all GUI like other OSes [read, many gui apps act as frontends to console apps, etc.]]), and you really shouldn't 'need' to renice the x server if you are running a 2.6 kernel and pick a scheduler with good interactivity.
Con Kolivas is acknowledged as the "Make Linux Feel Fast on the Desktop' guy, and he helped spearhead the don't be a doofus and renice x movement. his homepage is here (seems the info on reniceing x is gone): http://members.optusnet.com.au/ckolivas/kernel/ His work has helped make the Linux Desktop feel quick(er) for many of us.
Member since:
2005-07-13
I believe that the big difference between Windows and Linux with X is how they prioritize the GUI. I think that in Windows the GUI is more important, gives a sense of speed to the user. In Linux, all the processes have just prioritization (unless you as user decide to change their priorities).
You don't think so? Hmm, then explain why some apps, like Prime95, are a lot speedier on Linux than in Windows? The basic functions are the same, I believe. I might be wrong here, and I'm not neither a Windows or Linux buff. Please correct me, if wrong or mistaken.