Comments inline.
Warren Togami wrote:
----- Original Message -----
From: "MonMotha" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "LUAU Mailing List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2002 7:05 PM
Subject: [luau] x86-64 Support Status in Linux
The advantage linux has: Opensource software means that most likely
(barring old 32 bit ASM and other assumptions about being on IA-32), you
just type "make" and you get a 64 bit binary.
This is true. It would be fairly easy to convert a standard
RedHat/Mandrake/Debian/etc distribution into 64bit by simply installing a
new GCC and recompiling the key packages that need 64bit support like
kernel, glibc, server services, etc.
The disadvantage: "make" needs a compiler, and writing compilers for
archetectures you don't have any info about can be a bit challenge (darn
well impossible). Also, writing a compiler takes time, and I don't
exactly have the knowledge to contribute.
From what I've heard the necessary additions for x86-64 GCC support have
been largely completed a long time ago as a result of the x86-64.org
community project. NetBSD and SuSE in particular have made several press
releases saying that they are ready to make distributions when the hardware
is available. I suspect that other brands like Red Hat and Mandrake will
follow not soon after because the amount of work necessary really isn't all
that much beyond their x86 port. They however may charge more money for it
like $495 Red Hat Advanced Server.
I could see the Debian guys quickly making an experimental port too, again
because it isn't that much work.
Not a problem, I rather enjoy building Linux systems from scratch.
Should I build a system (I have every intention of doing so, funds
providing, which could be an issue as I'm a student), I would be willing
to help out on any project to make a distribution for the x86-64. The
x86-64 has the advantage that it can run the old IA-32 code at full
speed, which means you could install a normal distribution and go from
there compiling natively, not needing to cross compile. I know a fair
amount about building Linux systems (and in the next few weeks I'll
learn more I'm sure as I help someone learn Linux from the ground up,
showing them what's "under the hood" by building a working system
completely from source), and would be happy to donate some of my time
(even if all I have is a lousy cross compiler on an IA-32 system!).
--MonMotha
I wouldn't worry too much about distributions. They will be there at
launch.
I am wondering why you are interested in specifically the Sledgehammer
x86-64. It is some incredibly awesome technology and powerful hardware, but
the benefits aren't too great for the usual desktop/workstation user. The
main benefit of 64bit would be for massive databases and massive servers
that need more than 4GB of RAM per process, and much larger filesystems.
You have such a need? =)
Well, the awesome thing about this is that by late 2003, the ATHLON line of
processors will be 64bit Clawhammers. I see myself buying during 2004 a
64bit 2.0GHz mobile Athlon laptop computer with 1GB DDR SDRAM...
Basically the Geek factor, and I've long wanted to play around with 64
bit archetectures and SMP. I have an SMP Athlon MP (palomino core) to
play with, but basically the geek factor. That and some of my stuff is
due for an upgrade anyway (I really need to make a dedicated 'doze box
for gaming and then give the linux box the ungodly amount of proc power
since I do a lot of stuff). I could go with a Clawhammer, but from what
I am reading, that is single proc only.
I also, being the student I am, want to try to get some hands-on
experience with this as it comes out so that I don't have to play
catch-up later on. Similar to my being on IPv6. I have absolutely no
real reason (I still use IPv4 for a lot of things), but I kinda want to
ride the wave in so that by the time it becomes popular, I already know
my way around.
--MonMotha
