Member Avatar for RobK

I just bought a new Powerbook with Tiger. I would like to install OpenOffice and some other apps that need X11.

I understand that I can use Apple's X11 or the XFree86 X11 on the Mac. What do most folks use? What are the advantages of one over the other?

And does the Powerbook come with the Apple X11 preinstalled? Or do I have to install it and if so, how?

Rob

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Building on points made by , and , a few practical clarifications that matter years later:

If the goal is primarily OpenOffice, prefer a native Mac build rather than running the X11 version. NeoOffice provided a native Aqua port for many years (no X11 required), and OpenOffice/LibreOffice gained native Mac builds (removing the X11 dependency) starting with OpenOffice 3.x. (en.wikipedia.org)

When true X11 apps are needed (GIMP, Inkscape, many scientific tools), use the system X11 together with a package manager (Fink or MacPorts). Package managers handle library dependencies and PATHs so X11 apps run correctly; Apple’s X11 on Tiger runs “rootless,” so X windows integrate on the regular desktop, and the server will start automatically when an X app is launched or can be started manually. See the Fink and MacPorts documentation and XQuartz history for details and compatibility notes. (finkproject.org)

Practical checks and quick fixes not covered above: the X11 bundle normally lives in /Applications/Utilities (if it’s missing on Tiger the installer media contains X11.pkg). If copy/paste or middle‑click pasting is flaky, enable pasteboard syncing and “Emulate three‑button mouse” in X11/XQuartz Preferences. Don’t replace the system X11 blindly — follow MacPorts/Fink guidance — and launch Fink-installed X apps with the helper so the environment is correct. Example commands that were common in the Tiger era: 

open -a /Applications/Utilities/X11.app
# or from Terminal:
startx

# with Fink-installed apps
source /sw/bin/init.sh
open-x11 /sw/bin/gimp

References: Apple’s X11 notes for Tiger, X11/XQuartz preferences and pasteboard behavior, and the Fink/MacPorts docs for running X11 apps. (support.apple.com)

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Member Avatar for Zachery

Not sure about it comming preinstalled, but I would assume Apples X11 would be more tuned towards the PPC arch and any apple specifics :)

Member Avatar for nspireing

X11 is in its own form already installed in tiger as you can see the download page on apples website for x11 is no more. i freeked out the day i installed my tiger because i use GIMP on a daily basis and fought for about a week to find the x11 install i had backed up somewhere in the mountain of disks i have. needless to say when i just tried to isntall it it worked fine.

Member Avatar for yellow

I prefer Apple's "version" of X11..

You can install it from the XCode installer.

Member Avatar for redage

the installer allows you to do just that. install X11.

Member Avatar for Dani

I, too, use Apple's X11 with Fink.

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