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What's New in the Solaris 8 Operating Environment

Common Desktop Environment Desktop Enhancements

The Common Desktop Environment (CDE) provides an advanced Motif-based desktop with an easy-to-use interface. The latest release of CDE includes new comprehensive features in desktop productivity, interoperability, and desktop management.

PDA Support

The PDA Synchronization (PDASync) application synchronizes the data from Sun applications such as Desktop Calendar, Desktop Mail, Memo, and Address, with data in similar applications on a user's Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The PDASync software also enables users to install applications and databases from their workstation or server to their PDA. PDASync supports Palm OS compatible devices.

For more information on the PDASync application, see the Help information on the PDASync software.

This feature was first available in the Solaris 7 11/99 release.

Hot Key Editor

The Hot Key Editor enables users to automate repetitive tasks, such as running executables or CDE actions, by predefining a series of commands to a given function key. This feature provides a GUI that enables users to view a hot key list containing the key, context and function, as well as the ability to edit, delete, and create new hot keys.

For more information, see the Solaris Common Desktop Environment: User's Guide.

Java Media Framework

The Java Media Framework (JMF), a Java-based application, provides smooth streaming video file format support for MPEG1, MPEG2, Quicktime, and AVI, as well as audio support for MIDI. This feature enables users to take advantage of the real-time video creation and broadcast functionality.

For more information, see the Solaris Common Desktop Environment: User's Guide.

SPARC: Audio Mixer

CDE now includes a new GUI tool, sdtaudiocontrol, that supersedes audiocontrol. sdtaudiocontrol uses the features of the audio mixer and provides:

See also "SPARC: Audio Mixer".

SPARC: PC Launcher 1.0

PC launcher 1.0 for SunPCi users enables seamless access and power to view, edit, and print many popular types of PC files or attachments instantly, by automatically launching the associated Windows application and file. By incorporating PC launcher into the Solaris CDE desktop, users can share attachments and files created by Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Lotus 1-2-3, and AutoCAD applications.

This feature was first available in the Solaris 7 5/99 release.

Netscape Application Launcher

The Netscape Application Launcher enables users to easily access and automatically launch Netscape files and associated Netscape applications such as Composer. This feature eliminates the need to run the entire Netscape environment, thus simplifying access to Netscape applications.

For more information, see the Solaris Common Desktop Environment: User's Guide.

This feature was first available in the Solaris 7 11/99 release.

Print Client Enhancements

Print Client now enables users to easily configure their own set of printers and default printer without any intervention from an administrator.

For more information, see the Solaris Common Desktop Environment: User's Guide.

SDTImage Enhancements

The SDTImage screen snapshot feature now enables users to easily and quickly capture a screenshot image from the command line.

For more information, see the Solaris Common Desktop Environment: User's Guide.

Smart Card Support

CDE now supports smart card authentication security technology. Users can now use smart cards to authenticate their identity when logging in to CDE on a protected system, relogging in after a screen lock, or reauthenticating after the smart card is removed. CDE supports both external and internal smart card devices.

For more information, see the Solaris Common Desktop Environment: User's Guide.

ToolTips

ToolTips provides users with Balloon Help, a simple and short description of an icon function. Users can now place their cursor on an icon and the function of the icon is displayed.

For more information, see the Solaris Common Desktop Environment: User's Guide.

This feature was first available in the Solaris 7 3/99 release.

X11R6.4 Support

This new and enhanced version of XServer includes key features that increase user productivity and mobility. These new features include:

This feature was first available in the Solaris 7 11/99 release.

Extended Control Panel

This feature provides a unified, consistent, and extensible launchpad for desktop customization. such as desktop controls for color, font, backdrop, and Application Manager.