An alternative that seems kind of suitable is to use windows.h for windows. This kind of takes away the advantage of GLUT since it is portable. The main code, which is OpenGL is portable so changing it would take some time but if you don’t like GLUT or prefer not to use it or can’t use it (as with .NET). Then it seems to be a sortable alternative. Linux comes with development kit for KDE and Qt.
The reason GLUT won’t compile with .NET is part of Microsofts evil masterplan to rule the world. Not really, but the seem to want to change every thing to give a bigger impression that they did a lot (which they did, finally some good products from Microsoft!). The real reason is because .NET doesn’t like the x, y, and some other variables that don’t keep it from compiling but keep the window from initalizing. I don’t understand why they couldn’t just keep the settings in the projects menu, it is there but you have to do some stuff to get it. The place is in the solutions, it is the icon at the top.
I still like VC++ 6.0 since it has no problem with GLUT. GLUT is really great and all but doesn’t work with .NET… yet. Someone could fix it but oh well.