[NTLUG:Discuss] Thinking ALPHA

[Michael Sandfort]

I've been running Linux on an Alpha for about 2 yrs now as my primary 
work computer. It can't be beat for the speed, especially given that 
Compaq is beginning to be more liberal about sharing their C/Fortran 
optimized math libraries with the Linux community. Software has 
occasionally been a problem for me. The standard tarball distributions 
of (mathematical) optimization routines and other stuff sometimes don't 
compile on my machine because they don't find integers of the right size, 
or (as was the case last week) they can't figure out how to manipulate 
rounding in the fpu. It can be quite frustrating, particularly for a
(rather poorly) self-taught C programmer such as myself.

As far as hardware is concerned, I got mine through SWT here in town 
(just off Greenville in Richardson) and they have been very supportive 
and helpful. I looked at Microway and DCG as well.

I know almost nothing about formal benchmarking, however I can say that 
the C-code I used to run on a dual Sparc machine at U. Wisconsin runs 
about five times as fast on the machine I've got now. On balance, I'd say
take the plunge, particularly if you've got a lot of serious fp work to do.
I've been quite happy with mine.

Best,
Mike

Michael T. Sandfort                           Phone:  214-768-3856       
Department of Economics                       Fax:    214-768-1821
Southern Methodist University