What is XFree86®?

The XFree86 Project, Inc is a global volunteer organization which produces XFree86®, the freely redistributable open-source implementation of the X Window System continuously since 1992.

XFree86 runs primarily on UNIX® and UNIX-like operating systems like Linux, all of the BSD variants, Sun Solaris both native 32 and 64 bit support, Solaris x86, Mac OS X (via Darwin) as well as other platforms like OS/2 and Cygwin.

What XFree86 does, is provide a client/server interface between the display hardware (those physical things like the mouse, keyboard, and video displays) and the desktop environment, (this is typically called a window manager as it deals with how X is displayed i.e. the overall appearance). Yet X it goes beyond that and also gives the infrastructure and a standardized application interface (API).

All of this which makes XFree86 platform-independent, network-transparent and fully extensible. In short, XFree86 is the premier open source X11-based desktop infrastructure. Our group's goals and overall purpose are Detailed in goals and purpose detailed in our Mission Statement.

XFree86 turns 22!

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Copyright © 1994-2014 The XFree86 Project, Inc. All rights reserved.

XFree86® is a registered trademark of The XFree86 Project, Inc.

The Open Group, UNIX and X Window System are trademarks of The Open Group.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Last Modified: 2014