[ydl-gen] G5 dual, 2.7 GHz 20" Cinema Display

[Derick Centeno]

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....