More GNU/Linux Distros Silently Drop PowerPC

[jorkany]

PPC is alive and well, its just going embedded for now, its the only bi-endian architecture still being developed

ARM is bi-endian.

and will be in the server market for a long time, PPC is not dead on desktop, the x1000 and SAM are proof of that, its just niche.

This is a joke, right?

[persia]

[dreamcast270mhz]

I thought otherwise, hmm. PPC is NOT DEAD!!! I really will continue to use my G4 until it burns out or something, runs circles around my brother's Sempron laptop with 3Gb, he is runing win7 (thats probably why)

[johnklos]

..but you won't support the DSSI card in my MicroVAX!  I guess I could hunt down a SCSI controller...

Did you try uncommenting the DSSI line in the GENERIC kernel config?

#shac0          at mainbus0             # DSSI controller

I don't know what the exact status of it is, but it'd be interesting to hear.

[persia]

PPC is not dead, it's merely pining for the fjords of Norway!

[Karlos]

PPC may disappear from the desktop but it is pretty pervasive in embedded markets.

[Trev]

And lack of support from mainstream Linux distributors does nothing to prevent hardware vendors or users from rolling their own Linux distributions. As long as IBM keeps selling Power-based systems, the mainline Linux kernel will continue to support PowerPC and its derivatives.

I wonder how many vehicle manufacturers are using Linux kernels rated for automotive use? I've never seen GPL code available for download on a major manufacturer's web site.

[Tension]

Pining for the fjords?!?!?

Tried to put that in capitals for comic effect but apparently Amiga.org is a kitty these days

[Super TWiT]

Dont fear. Powerpc is STILL used in the market place. The Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii all use powerpc chips. Powerpc is supported in the main Linux kernel (as is 68k). I am a linux user. You know, most applications are written in c or c++ anyway, so you could compile them for whatever architecture you like. Debian has official precompiled binary support for a number of archs. I prefer something like gentoo where you compile everything yourself. It has the advantage of having NEW versions of programs, plus you get all the optimisations for your specific computer.

[Piru]

I prefer something like gentoo where you compile everything yourself. It has the advantage of having NEW versions of programs, plus you get all the optimisations for your specific computer.

http://funroll-loops.info/

Don't worry - you'll get over this phase ;-)

[gaula92]

http://funroll-loops.info/

Don't worry - you'll get over this phase ;-)

It's easy to say when you're a developer for the most efficient OS in the world, damn you
But for X86 (and if you ACTUALLY KNOW what you're into and what are you trying to archieve), Gentoo Linux is the best option.

I've been three years in Gentoo phase by now: I think I'll never get over it...

[kolla]

Not just x86. I'd say Gentoo is probably the best option for any non-mainstream architecture, since it provides nice and friendly tools to build and maintain your own distro.

[the_leander]

@Kolla

How does Gentoo compare against say, NetBSD?

[the_leander]

I thought otherwise, hmm. PPC is NOT DEAD!!!

As a desktop arch, it is pushing up the daisies, it's curled up its tootsies. It has gone to meet its maker etc etc

The only place you'll likely find PPC is in the telecoms and some embedded places, but tbh outside of telecoms, you're pretty much in ARM territory these days.

 I really will continue to use my G4 until it burns out or something, runs circles around my brother's Sempron laptop with 3Gb, he is runing win7 (thats probably why)

You've said that before. I'd like to see something to back that up. I'm sure there are some benchmarking tools that could be used to test the claim.

[fishy_fiz]

A product that isnt available yet and a board that is 5x as expensive as an off the shelf mobo+cpu combo 5x (or more) the speed arent a great arguement that ppc is alive and kicking on the dektop. In the case of the Sam it suggests otherwise (ie., only so expensive because demand is so small). I mean no discredit to the people involved in the development of the above mentioned systems though, if I had the money to spend on new toys I'd actually like a Sam.

[kolla]

@Kolla

How does Gentoo compare against say, NetBSD?

Not sure what to answer... Gentoo is typically Linux, how well does Linux compare against NetBSD?  The core of Gentoo, portage, can also be used as altenative packagemanager for NetBSD. I find it much easier to build packages with Gentoo portage than with NetBSD pkgsrc.