I am running Debian 3.0 with the 2.4.18 kernel on a Fujitsu P-2040, which has a Transmeta Crusoe 800MHz processor and 256 MB of ram. The laptop also dual boots Windows XP. I was comparing processing times with the two operating systems on the same machine to run various calculations, random number generations, and graphics (using the same statistical program and version (in R) on both sides. What I find is, first, Linux will handle a much larger problem than XP. But for some intermediate sized problems, the total processing time was about 10 to 20 percent faster with XP.
This is in contrast to what I found with the desktop I work on, which has a similar setup with Debian 3.0 with the 2.4.18 kernel dual booting with Windows XP. There, as well as handling much larger problems, Linux does the processing consistently 20 to 80 percent faster. That machine has a Pentium IV 2.2 MHz processor and 1 GB of rdram. But in each case the comparison is within machine. What this makes me wonder is if Linux, or my particular configuration, may not be as efficient as it could be for the Crusoe. I do have something called "crusoe" enabled in the kernel configuration. And I installed a patch that people use to make DMA work with the P-2000 series. Does anyone have any similar experience or advice regarding a laptop with the Crusoe? Incidently, I really like that processor for what I use this laptop for, even though it may not be the fastest. What I like, compared to my previous Pentium-based laptop, is the way it stays so quiet and cool while I work. But I am wondering if Linux might use this processor less efficiently than possible or if it is more likely something about my configuration. Steve __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Finance - Get real-time stock quotes http://finance.yahoo.com
