AfterStep v0.98a-BETA16
-----------------------

     AfterStep is a continuation of the BowMan window manager which was
originally put together by Bo Yang.  BowMan was based on the fvwm window 
manager, written by Robert Nation.  Fvwm was based on code from twm.  And 
so on...  It is designed to emulate some of the look and feel of the 
NEXTSTEP user interface, while adding useful, requested, and neat 
features.  The changes which comprise AfterStep's personality were 
originally part of bowman development, but due to a desire to move past 
simple emulation and into a niche as its own valuable window manager, the 
current designers decided to change the project name and move on.  BowMan 
development may continue, but we will no longer be a part of it.

   Some major changes from fvwm include: 

1. NEXTSTEP-like title bar, title buttons, borders and corners. 
2. BowMan's Wharf is a much worked-out version of GoodStuff.  
   To avoid copyright complications it is not called a "dock." 
3. NEXTSTEP style menu. However, the menus are not controlled by 
   applications; they are more of pop-up service lists on the 
   root window.  
4. NEXTSTEP style icons. These styles are hard-coded in the 
   program, which is good for the consistent look of the NEXTSTEP 
   interface.

    However, the flexibility of fvwm was not traded off. The initiation 
file, .steprc, is of the same form as fvwm-1.24r's .fvwmrc and a good 
number of fvwm's commands will be recognized.  Compatibility with 
fvwm-2 is not planned and is unlikely. 

    If you like what you see, have a problem, or would like to join in 
development, let me know.  Have Fun!

--frank
Frank Fejes ffejes@midway.uchicago.edu
