>
>
> On Tue, 10 Jun 1997, Trevor Jenkins wrote:
>
> [...]
> running anything X/Motif based and you'll see what I mean. If Linux
> developers concentrate their attention on trying to be compatible with
> obsolete hardware as opposed to taking advantage of cutting edge features
> other operating systems will overtake Linux by running slower on faster
> hardware - not exactly a pretty picture.
>
> Bottom line is I'd rather say "Linux runs faster on a quad P7" than
> "Linux still runs on my 2mb 386" a year from now. A well executed design
> means nothing unless it performs. Nothing PERFORMS on a 386. Lets not
> loose sight of our goals here for the sake of keeping backward
> compatibility.
> [...]
I dont see I saw anyone advocating removing performance for the sake of
some old 386es.. If there were ever som BIG change that would obliterate
old systems (i.e. a P7/K7 64bit protetected mode) we could either work
around it or just define a new arch (x86old and x86_7thgen+).. Does 4meg
paging break 486es? No, linux only tries to use it on pentiums.. Even if
we didn't adopt new modes and such for compatibility's sake.. Do you think
microsoft would make their OS use it?? The same microsoft who never takes
advantage of new technoligy properly? (I.e. 386es and dos/windows)....