MLVDE is a free, open-source, cross-platform virtual desktop environment for the X window system built around the MLVWM window manager.
It is a study of the early history and evolution of the graphical user interface (GUI) through the lens of Apple Inc.'s (née Apple Computer, Inc.) classic Mac OS, which helped popularize GUIs and the desktop metaphor.
The intention of the MLVDE project is a threefold study of — and meditation on — the Mac OS GUI, the X protocols and architecture, and the Unix philosophy through an accurate recreation and adaptation of the Macintosh System 6 through Mac OS 9. Through this interpretation and implementation of the Mac OS user interface, we hope to preserve and extend the ability for it to be experienced on modern computers.
TO REITERATE, REPEAT, REINSTATE: MLVDE is a not-for-profit academic and artistic study, for educational purposes, of the now decades-discontinued Mac OS user interface, many elements of which remain under the copyright of Apple Inc. MLVDE is not Mac OS. MLVDE is not a product of Apple Inc. MLVDE is not associatated with nor endorsed by Apple Inc.
- Implement the overall user interface elements and appearance of Macintosh
System 6 through Mac OS 9, including:
- System 6 (monochrome)
- System 7 (color)
- Mac OS 8/9 (a.k.a. 'Platinum'; color)
- Adhere to POSIX, X.org, and freedesktop.org standards and specifications
- Light-weight implementation with both memory and processor efficiency in mind (hopefully it could be compiled and perform adequately on period- correct hardware)
- Implement in period-correct C89, wherever possible
- Write good code and keep security in mind
- Utilize modern X extensions where appropriate, while providing either fallbacks or a reduced feature set
- Use/write small(er) utilities that do one (or just a few) things well, with interoperability when appropriate
- Provide a user-friendly out-of-the-box experience without preventing customization and/or substitution of utilities for user preference
- Add and/or adapt functionality/technology which didn't exist at the time, trying to be consistent with original goals, concepts, and guidelines (i.e. ask yourself, "If [this] had existed in 1998, how would Apple's designers and developers implemented/integrated it?")
- Document the System 6 through Mac OS 9 UI/UX from a historical preservation aspect and how it relates to and/or can be adapted to current use and technologies
MLVDE is built around preserving and updating the MLVWM window manager. 'MLVWM' was originally an acronym for "Macintosh-Like Virtual Window Manager." As 'Macintosh' is a trademark of Apple Inc., we are removing any specific meaning for 'ML' and so 'MLVWM' and 'MLVDE' are acronyms for "'ML' Virtual Window Manager" and "'ML' Virtual Desktop Environment", respectively.
While 'ML' no longer has any official meaning, you're welcome to use any appropriate mnemonic devices to remember it by. We suggest "minimal and light-weight" (a goal of the project) or "masters level" (relating to the academic research/study aspect of the project.)
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