Introductory guide to the MPCI generic X environment

The X Window System is a complex collection of features which lacks tutorial documentation, and, in some cases, any documentation other than the source code. In this document, we describe the MPCI Generic X Environment, a standard window environment designed for LLNL Massively Parallel Computing Initiative participants who wish to use a modern system to enhance productivity without making the substantial investment in time required to become expert with X and design their own custom environment. The MPCI Generic X Environment is implemented through a combination of X system configuration files and fixed versions of X utilities, along with shell startup files and a set of X configuration files which are installed for the user when an MPCI account is created. The environment runs on the Network Computing Devices NCD-19 X server, as supported by the core staff of the MPCI. The environment can be supported on the SUN work stations which are in common use at LLNL. This is evidenced by the fact that the screen images in this document were taken from a SUN 3/50 which has been suitably configured. The environment can probably be supported on any other work station capable of successful interaction with the Xmore » login daemon, xdm. Configuring the MPCI Generic X Environment on foreign work or display stations is the responsibility of the system managers for the respective systems. The MPCI core staff takes direct responsibility only for those NCD-19 display stations which are centrally managed from the machine acquired for the project. This document was adapted from Introductory Guide to Using X11 in the RIACS Generic Environment by David A. Curry, dated May 1989. 20 figs.« less