Hi Hal!
Thanks for your response.
I am well aware of both the points you raised and awaiting, like you, a
version of Linux which can run on these very powerful PPC systems. I
provided the information to Dr. Freysinger to present the facts as they
are currently, without getting into the wider contributing factors
which you raised. After all, it is quite possible that if companies
such as Nvidia discover that there remain highly skilled and determined
professionals (and institutions) willing and insisting on using PowerPC
systems, their policies can change.
Perhaps I'm nieve, but professionals and institutions should not be
ignored in regards to the equipment they need to pursue their
efforts/work.
Here are two things which should be of interest:
1. Work being done on Open Source Cards:
https://linux.wordpress.com/2006/07/19/introducing-the-open-graphics-
project/
2. An article which appeared on Feb. 9, 2006 issue of NY Times:
I.B.M. Unveils Server Line That Uses Game Chips By STEVE LOHR
On Jul 22, 2006, at 12:50 PM, Hal Martin wrote:
I don't think Nvidia is interested in supporting PowerPC for 2 major
reasons.
1) The Linux market is very small compared to the Windows market, and
most of the Linux market runs either x86 or x86_64 instruction set.
2) Apple has decided that PPC is an arch not worth developing further.
I think Apple is 100% wrong on this decision, since all modern game
consoles (PS2, GameCube, Xbox 360, and PS3) run on the PPC arch. If
PPC is good enough for all those guys, it's good enough for me.
This is why I've chosen my next computer to be an Xbox 360. It has a
very powerful CPU, (3 core 3.2Ghz), and I can just play games on it
till someone releases Linux for it. Good luck!
Hal Martin
Derick Centeno wrote:
Greetings Dr. Freysinger:
I was wondering if you were willing to try a different approach.
Nvidia, just like other graphics companies does support Linux but
typically not Linux running on the PowerPC (see here:
http://www.nvidia.com/object/unix.html). As they own the licenses to
their hardware and the binaries for the drivers they do allow for
download you will of course note that their drivers for other
versions of Linux may not be reverse engineered. This may mean you
are left with writing to Nvidia directly requesting permission that
they develop or allow you to develop the necessary driver software.
At least if you ask, it'll put them on notice that this (maintaining
and supporting development for Linux on the PowerPC) is an issue for
them to pay attention to.
Scientists such as yourself know better than I, the technical
arguments of the PowerPC v. Intel arch. Not all the sciences need to
utilize these differences together with the flexibility Linux
provides for their respective area of research. For those who choose
to utilize the PowerPC to maximize their research, current policies
or prejudices by otherwise outstanding companies like Nvidia must be
extremely frustrating. This frustration and Nvidia's potential to
relieve it, needs to be emphasized and clarified to their management.
This view or approach may not work, but consider this... if you don't
pursue this challenge to their management so that they consider the
choice of expanding the Linux drivers they support, you may just have
to switch not only to Intel and Red Hat... but a lower order of
scientific performance as well.
Again the argument arises, why should Nvidia frustrate your choices
of hardware regarding high-level and high-end scientific research?
As someone who has engaged in some technical writing work, if I can
be of assistance, feel free to contact me directly.
Best wishes....
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