[luau] x86-64 Support Status in Linux

[MonMotha]

Comments inline.

Warren Togami wrote:
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "MonMotha" <monmotha at indy.rr.com>
> To: "LUAU Mailing List" <luau at videl.ics.hawaii.edu>
> 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