Subj : multitask or die!
To   : David Drummond
From : Charles Angelich
Date : Wed Nov 28 2001 11:28 pm

1233343d627a
unix



Hello David - 

DD>>> Slackware 8 (the latest version) is compiled for a 386 by
DD>>> default. 

CA>> "Compiled for a 386" is used as a synonym for 32 bit only.
CA>> It does not mean the source code was restricted to using
CA>> only what the typical 386 would have in terms of memory or
CA>> hard drive storage. It's lay terminology that is
CA>> adequately vague (salesmen like this terminology alot!) 

DD> Compiled for a 386 means that it will execute on a 386
DD> (unlike Mandrake, which I'm told is compiled by default for
DD> a Pentium). 

DD> When one compiles the kernel one stipulates which CPU to
DD> optimise for. Choose one too high, and it won't run on the
DD> lower ones. It relates to specific CPU instructions. 

More likely to the presence or absence of a mathco, but if you
think it's all-that and totally optimized then so be it.

>
>        ,                          ,
>      o/      Charles.Angelich      \o       ,
>     <|                              |>  __o/
>     / >          USA, MI           < \   __\__
 

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