Macbook pro
Derick Centeno
aguilarojo at gmail.com
Thu Jan 31 20:35:54 MST 2008
My comments follow yours for clarity.
On Jan 30, 2008, at 12:54 PM, Edward Montfoort wrote:
> Thanks for all the info so far. So it definitly would be possible
> to run Linux as the only OS on a macbook pro for what I can
> understand?.
Sure. Just decide which Linux you want to run on your Intel
computer. Understand that each version of Linux for example Fedora,
Debian or Slackware have their unique instructions on how to do
this. Some versions of Linux can each be developed in such a way to
run from a USB drive! Way cool, for taking over an Intel box and
making it do what you want. Don't kid yourself though, each step in
the process is a good deal of work.
Remember also that although the programming skills needed to program
either the Intel or PowerPC/Cell are similar their application within
each processor requires a sophisticated and clear comprehension of
implementing one's skills so that the each architecture exemplifies
it's unique strengths. Anything less of course cannot be relied upon
as representative of what each processor can actually do.
Let me be clear here; it may take years to develop these mix of
skills. One can pursue the process of self-education via various
means traditional college and academia, online references, etc. Be
positive and consistent in learning and the projects one engages upon
will become better tools in helping one reach another stage.
> The reason why I am asking this kind of information is because I
> have a project in mind. You all might consider insane, but insanity
> is sanity, keeps us alive.
Hey, don't worry. A lot of people here have been wondering about me
for years. Chuckles, aside thinking differently is what one must do
when exploring work not only within Linux but Linux running on a Cell
or PowerPC. This is very definitely the place for those who think
and examine for themselves.
> What I want to do is the following: I want to make use of
> clustering capabilities using a macbook pro and a Playstation 3,
> and doing it so, to proof that virtualizing mac os x on linux would
> actually be faster than using a mac pro. There would be no distros
> issues regarding clustering?
This is a multi-layered project. Keep in mind that it's already been
established that the Cell is in a different class than Intel
processors. There's a nice article here discussing the vast gulf
between Intel and Cell: http://www.michaeldolan.com/688
As far as clustering goes, checking out what TSS has done would be
useful:
http://www.terrasoftsolutions.com/store/index.php?
submit=software&submitimg[hardware][solutions]=1
Sometimes acquiring information as to what's been done helps develop
an idea regarding challenging oneself with projects as learning tools
so that eventually one may have a chance to move from fundamentals to
more current areas of computer and mathematics research. What's
interesting about Linux regardless of what computer architecture one
works in, is that no one knows everything. What is interesting also
about modern computer architecture (whether of Intel or Cell) is that
they've become so complex even the most advanced professionals are
challenged by utilizing them to their best efficiency; this leaves
opportunity for the regular fellow to develop something completely
unexpected such as a better way to code effectively.
> Macbook Pro would be running one distro than not YDL (it's powerpc
> and cell) and PS3 would be ruuning YDL. Would it work ok?. Of
> course I am also beginning to learn programming and as soon as get
> the hand of it, it would be great to programme for the PS3.
>
> P.S: I have seen in some foruns reference that because of the fact
> that macbook pro uses now EFI instead of BIOS that it wouldn't be
> possible to run Linux alone. How far is this true?
>
Sorry, I don't know. But you could search the other lists or support
communities for those versions of Linux which run on Intel and
someone should respond sensibly. There's a lot of brilliantly odd
programmers out there who probably figured something out. But
remember that communication would be a problem, and I see this all
the time, where the skills between any two persons may be vast. In
other words, the more preparation and learning one does the more a
conversation can be more meaningful as one has mastered the
fundamentals. Not everything on the web is accurate and there is no
replacement for the experience gained from practice and more practice
in a positive and creative process of study.
Good luck on whatever projects or series of studies you choose to
engage upon. The work and effort is always worth it, if only for the
sake of knowledge.
In a closing, could you imagine what Isaac Newton would have done
with such computers? Of course, what is more important is the work
and achievement he did independently without them; there is no
replacement for clear thinking. Thinking clearly is something anyone
can improve upon.
Best wishes...
> On Jan 30, 2008 4:11 PM, Derick Centeno <aguilarojo at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Edward:
>
> YDL is a linux variant designed to run exclusively on computers
> within the PowerPC architecture family. In the current market,
> this means old Apple (PowerPC) computers, the current and very hot
> 9 core Cell, which is in the PS3, and other computers which use the
> PowerPC/Cell family of CPUs.
>
> Given the current computer marketplace, it can be a challenge for
> anyone to research why a person should choose one computer
> architecture over another; the key is to learn and comprehend their
> differences in design, efficiency in processing and usage. The
> advantage of Linux, of course, is that unlike commercial systems is
> that you have full access to all the facilities of that CPU
> allowing you to utilize that CPU (as well as program it) either as
> a server or client.
>
> The Macbook Pro is an Intel only system. You could of course wipe
> OS X off it and install Fedora, SUSE, Ubuntu, Debian or even
> Slackware. All are decent variants of Linux which run nicely on
> Intel CPUs; if I was going that route I'd choose Debian simply for
> the amount of tools they have besides Ubuntu is a variant of Debian
> anyway.
>
> I could have given a simple, "No we don't do Intel here", but I
> believed hinting at least a brief overview of why we're different
> (without exploring the details) would be more helpful. Besides if
> your interest is to go beyond what is common with Linux, and you
> have the drive to explore the various intricacies of more advanced
> fields of mathematics, programming and other sciences -- the Cell
> has a great deal of Power (it won't choke) which Intel won't
> approach or market for long while. You can wait, or you can have
> it now in a computer for under $600.
>
> Linux can be a wonderful tool to learn with and develop
> professionally with. Linux on the Cell though can be a better
> investment in one's personal training. The choice as usual is
> about one's interests; anyone can become decent doing something
> nearly everyone does on computers everyone has. The opportunity
> here is how far an individual can apply and demonstrate evolving
> skills with outstanding superior technology -- if you think about
> it most persons don't approach that level of challenge until they
> are in graduate school pursuing a masters or terminal degree. What
> if that level of challenge is possible earlier as a result of one's
> interests and one does it because it is truly interesting and fun;
> more importantly one can demonstrate their skill via the code they
> produced on an advanced computer architecture, which the Cell is.
>
> Interestingly, your choice of Linux states a lot about your
> interests. You just maybe could discover the Cell design and
> strengths compelling enough to consider as your CPU of choice; now
> in that context Yellow Dog Linux makes perfect sense and comes pre-
> installed on the PS3. Here's that link:
>
> http://www.terrasoftsolutions.com/store/index.php?
> submit=hardware&submitimg[hardware][sony]=1
>
> There are lot's of articles regarding the Cell throughout the web.
> You may care to explore some of the information here:
>
> http://www.terrasoftsolutions.com/showcase/cellebration/
>
> Whatever your choice, all the best.
>
> As for myself, I'm a longtime YDL and PowerPC user who is also
> looking forward to moving on to the Cell. Hopefully, I've
> expressed my opinions within a useful context.
>
> All the best...
>
> On Jan 30, 2008, at 8:07 AM, Edward Montfoort wrote:
>
>> Hello. I sort of new at linux and I would like to know if it would
>> be possible to run YDL on a macbook pro and also if it would be
>> possible to run it as the only OS.
>> And what kind of problems would I find and how would I solve them.
>> Hope you can help.
>> Thanks.
>> _______________________________________________
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>> yellowdog-newbie at lists.terrasoftsolutions.com
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>
>
>
> ======================
> A mind forever voyaging through strange seas of thought.
> -- Sir Isaac Newton
>
>
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======================
A mind forever voyaging through strange seas of thought.
-- Sir Isaac Newton
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