24 hours of Leopard: Unix certification
Feature: UNIX certification: Sure, we're all for nonconfirmity in our non-computer lives--but when it comes to UNIX, specs matter. Leopard brings Open Brand UNIX 03 with SUSv3 and POSIX 1003.1 conformity.
How it works: That highly leaded UNIX runs as the core of your operating system. You never have to touch it or know that it is there until you're ready to dive in via the Terminal command line.
Who will use it: UNIX certification is fab for hardcore geeks. You can deploy all sorts of goodies that demand that 100% purebred UNIX-y atmosphere. It's like getting a perfect greenhouse for your exotic orchid collection. Assuming, that is, you're some sort of computerized version of Nero Wolfe.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mentalsticks said 5:29AM on 10-26-2007
Err, guys... I just thought I'd share with you that a little brown and golden van just stopped in front of my door and delivered me a smallish brown cardboard packet...
I GOT IT!!!!
Long live time zones!
(Netherlands, ot even near 6 pm yet, tho)
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Michel said 7:50AM on 10-26-2007
hu... no
unix certification matters to professional and corporate to be assured the unix software will be one day available on os X and will function like on solaris or hp ux
it's also a great thing for open source software developped on unix certification, you _know_ you can deploy it on os X too.
it's important in REAL Work to gain BIG MONEY and with that BIG MONEY to build a perfect greenhouse.
you see ? no play. only work.
thanks.
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Mo said 8:19AM on 10-26-2007
@Michel: While it's certainly true that it's a *selling point* for corporates, the actual end-user benefits are relatively slim as far as open source is concerned: most open source efforts are concentrated on Linux, with the BSDs being secondary. Actual UNIX platforms (e.g., Solaris) come a distant third, often requiring additional tweaks and patches for things to compile and run properly… just as they do on Mac OS X today.
Now, in a year or so's time, things might be different. Mac OS X is the most widely-installed commercial Unix offering in the world, and if Leopard has any sort of reasonable penetration, it'll itself be a relatively persuasive argument for developers to be working to the standards.
So yeah, right now it's not much of a big deal (it being compliant doesn't mean more than a handful of things that wouldn't compile before now will), but it will make life a little easier for developers of cross-platform software, and it'll hopefully persuade more developers to target UNIX, rather than just “UNIX-like” systems. Mostly, though, it's a certification: a tickbox for corporations to look for.
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onnastick said 8:22AM on 10-26-2007
It's UNIX. It does ... things. Computer things. Things like ... stuff you have to type on the command line, and stuff. Anyway, now that it's finally certified, I can type things on the command line with some real confidence!
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Luigi193 said 8:56AM on 10-26-2007
So does this mean EMACS tetris and "doctor" games will be more secure? Or did the doctor get another degree...
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tnanja said 12:14PM on 10-26-2007
Uh... Mo, check your calendar. It's 2007 and open source IS corporate. IBM, Sun, Apple, Oracle, just to name a few, have become very big contributors or supporters of open source.
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Greg said 12:51PM on 10-26-2007
Erica,
I really want to upgrade to leopard ASAP, but will my unlocked iPhone running firmware 1.0.2 still work with it? Thanks!
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