29 Sep 2000
Is 2D graphics the next killer app for Linux?

The compelling technical strengths of Linux and other free software
systems in multitasking and networking have brought it considerable
success in the area of Web servers. In this presentation, I
demonstrate that the similar technical strengths free software is
gaining in 2D graphics, and argue that this area could be the next
"killer app" for Linux.

Advances in display technology present an opportunity and a challenge
for 2D graphics software. As resolutions pass 140 dpi for CRT's and
200 dpi for LCD's, the user experience becomes a sharp, clear display
of information rather than a field of pixels, with a dilemma between
smooth but fuzzy antialiasing, or sharp but jaggy edges. These
displays pose a formidable challenge to drive well. First, software
must be designed to be scalable, or resolution independent. Second, at
these resolutions, good antialiasing is crucial for the highest
quality. Third, these displays require generating pixels at a very
high bandwidth.

Fortunately, between existing technology and new projects in
development, Linux will meet these challenges. We will present and
demonstrate four particularly instructive technologies:

* Ghostscript is a mature program, long having provided scalable,
  resolution independent rendering for both screen and printer.
  We will demonstrate the new transparency and blending capabilities
  of PDF 1.4, scheduled for the next major release.

* Nautilus, the new Gnome file manager from Eazel, has the core
  technology in place for scalable display, including vector graphics
  icons and scalable antialiased text. Nautilus uses the Libart
  rendering engine and the Gnome Canvas.

* The XFree86 Render extension, currently in development, will provide
  hardware acceleration for 2D graphics primitives including
  antialiased vector path and text rendering, alpha compositing, and
  semitransparent images.

* Keith Packard has developed an experimental X server that can alpha
  composite between windows. User interfaces built on top of this
  technology have the potential to rival the most advanced proprietary
  systems, including Mac OS X's Aqua user interface.

The core technology is coming. The challenge now is to make sure that
they're integrated throughout all applications. This presentation will
help show the way for users, developers of applications, and those
with an interest in where the technology is going.