> From: "Michael E. Peligro" > > The Linux framebuffer is a low-level abstraction of the > > gfx hardware (or VESA 2.0) that provides programs uniform > > access to linear video memory. DirectFB attempts to provide > > a more full-featured API that also covers 2D acceleration. > > A Linux framebuffer/DirectFB driver for SDL means that SDL > > programs can work without having to run under X or use svgalib > > (which has been long in the tooth for quite a while now). > > Interesting. The less software layers, the better.
After playing around quite a bit with XFree 4.2, I realized that despite its apparent complexity, it, together with its new extensions, actually does a pretty decent job as a GUI substrate for Linux and one would be very hardpressed indeed to come up with something that could rival it utility-wise. Its performance is actually quite good and they have been able to add new essential features (like DRI and antialiasing extensions) while at the same time simplifying other aspects. Today, I wouldn't mind writing a game or a multimedia program that ran on it. All the improvements, available technologies (i.e. desktop environments) that work with XFree, and most importantly, the simplification, just makes it that much harder to justify going with a new GUI layer. That said, there is still a need (though somewhat diminished) for intrinsic Linux kernel support for graphics device abstraction, whether Linux FB/DirectFB (they should merge the two in the kernel eventually) or GGI/KGI. When (if) such support becomes mature, XFree will have the alternative of running on top of this/these APIs/drivers in addition to its own direct support of video chipsets. And when you write games, you can choose to have them run under X, fullscreen X, or the framebuffer API. The latter should, I believe, offer the least headaches(*) although it does seem that fullscreen X is viable. By the way, SDL programs do feature support for LinuxFB, and you can run them either under X or on the console and they will work automatically! Cool huh? Unfortunately, for OpenGL support, you really need GLX meaning you have no choice but to run under X. ============================================================== (*) like compatibility-wise, where you don't care, for example, if someone is using Metro-X instead of XFree. All you would care about is that they're using a Linux kernel of a certain version or newer. ============================================================== In theory, one should be able to reuse (or at least make use of by studying) a good chunk of the driver work on XFree for KGI/GGI and/or LinuxFB/DirectFB. _ Philippine Linux Users Group. Web site and archives at http://plug.linux.org.ph To leave: send "unsubscribe" in the body to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fully Searchable Archives With Friendly Web Interface at http://marc.free.net.ph To subscribe to the Linux Newbies' List: send "subscribe" in the body to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
