Running X Window clients

You can run an X11 application by typing the command name at the Interix shell prompt. For example, to run the xclock(1) program, type:

xclock

Running X11 applications in the background is useful because it gives you access to the shell prompt. To run xclock in the background, type:

xclock &

Important

• Windows Services for UNIX does not include an X Window server program. You must first install and start a X Window server program if you want the X client applications to appear on your Windows system. If you have a UNIX system running an X server, these X client applications can be used to display on your UNIX system.

The display of X client applications depends upon how you have configured your X11 server and which window manager you are running. Most X11 servers running under Windows have the following two display modes:

Single-window mode

One application window, the X root window, is open. All X clients exist in this window. You must use a window manager, such as twm(1).

Multiple-window mode

Each X client application is opened in its own window. Individual windows are controlled by the Microsoft Windows window manager or an X Window window manager.

The twm window manager is one of the X Window clients included with Interix. It can be run from the command line or from a desktop shortcut. For more information on X client shortcuts, see X client shortcuts.

Many window managers, such as twm, provide a root window menu, which is typically available by clicking any empty section of the screen. You must enable the root window before you can display the root window menu. Once you have enabled the root window, you can no longer use Windows desktop shortcuts, but you still have access to the Windows Start menu and the taskbar.

A comprehensive description of X Window clients is beyond the scope of this Help system. For more information, see the X Window System series published by O'Reilly & Associates.