[lug] Software/compiler issues w/dual CPU's

[Gary Hodges]

Here is another comment from a colleague:

: It's just that, one of the best reasons for going with
: Linux on intel (or intel-ish) is easy access to binary
: programs.  If a dual proc either can't run the majority
: of binaries out there, or can run them but won't be 
: using the 2nd proc, then we might as well just get a
: single.  

Is the above a valid point?

GH


Gary Hodges wrote:
> 
> We are planning on putting together a Linux machine here so folks can
> "test the water" so to speak.  Since I've built a few Linux machines for
> myself, I've been tasked with putting this one together.  I was planning
> on building a dual CPU machine, and some issues have just been raised by
> a colleague.  Namely, will a dual CPU machine introduce compiler issues
> that our users will have to overcome when porting code?  gcc, fortran,
> S-Plus (if available for Linux), and IDL are the main languages used
> here.
> 
> In simplistic terms, I was under the impression that a dual CPU machine
> just made everything faster.  If there are specific issues that must be
> considered when coding on a MP machine, we'll likely stay with a single
> CPU.
> 
> Gary
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