Description

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This is a reprint of the much-cited 1993 classic, describing the X window system -- the de facto standard windowing system for Linux, UNIX and many other operating systems. Unusually, it covers the whole system so the reader gains a complete understanding of X, and learns how the various components relate to one another -- essential for programming or administering a system.

The book has three sections:

1. X in a nutshell -- a quick overview.
2. How X works, in detail, and how the user sees it.
3. Using the system, system administration, performance and programming.

While this is a technical book, it doesn't assume advanced programming or sysadmin experience. It is written in a clear, uncomplicated style, with over 200 illustrations. For maximum accessibility, it has a flexible, modular structure that makes it easy for readers to skip to the sections that interest them. The book has been widely recommended as a course text.

About the Author

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Commissioning editor at Green Books.

Praise For…

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"If you are new to the X Window System environment, we strongly suggest picking up a book such as The Joy of X'"  —Eric Raymond, in the Linux XFree86 HOWTO  "I find this book extraordinary. It's one of the first books on X which addresses questions of information systems policy with respect to the X Window System...It will advance the case of X and open systems by making the interesting issues more accessible"  —Oliver Jones  "a great little book called The Joy of X by Niall Mansfield that taught me much of what I know.''  —Jeff Duntemann's ContraPositive Diary  "My personal touchstone when looking for a broad introduction to all things X is The Joy of X ... by Niall Mansfield''  —Peter Collinson