Linux for the PowerPC has currently only been ported to 32-bit
processors, and is not 64-bit clean. This is principally due to the
machines available, but work was also started before the Linux kernel
was 64-bit clean.
The OSF Mach3 microkernel has been ported to the Alpha and this port
is 64-bit clean. It has also been ported to the PowerPC, but currently
only to some of the 32-bit processors.
The OSF/1 server has been ported to Alpha (64 bit) but not at all to
the PowerPC processors (although this would be simple). On the PowerPC
line we use the MkLinux server, a linux kernel with the machine
dependant layer replaced by calls to the Mach microkernel.
Linux on PowerPc : http://www.linuxppc.org
MkLinux on PowerMac and Intel : http://www.gr.osf.org/mklinux
Obviously, once the generic code in the kernel or microkernel is
64-bit clean, it becomes much easier to port from a 32-bit to 64-bit
processor in the same family.
>Offhand, I would say that Linux has a "bleeding edge".
Of course it has - as have all other operating systems undergoing
maintenance/improvement. The major difference with Linux is that the
bleeding edge is available for the public to cut themselves on, rather
than being hidden in some company's development group. Most users can
isolate themselves from this bleeding edge by running an older, stable
kernel.
[ Nick ]
PS. I'm not on the alpha mailing list, please cc me in any
followups. Thanks.
[ Nick ]
__
Nick Stephen Web: http://www.gr.osf.org/~stephen
OSF Research Institute Email: stephen@gr.osf.org
2, Avenue de Vignate Phone: +33 76 63 48 72
38610 Gieres - France Fax: +33 76 51 05 32