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Pastimes : Dream Machine ( Build your own PC ) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Spots who wrote (499)	4/19/1998 10:28:00 PM
From: khalid jaffar	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 14778

My understanding is, Digital has a compiler for win NT Alpha that will recompile many applications writen for x86 (intel) proccessors so they can run on an Alpha machine. However, this is not a cure-all, some apps just can't be recompiled. It's always better if you can find versions of you're favorite software that will run on Alpha. you can find out about the DEC Alpha @ alphapowered.com

To: Spots who wrote (499)	4/19/1998 10:42:00 PM
From: LTBH	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 14778

The general info on Alpha software apps is on point, biggest concern for most users and must be researched carefully. As to the "Best" chip, not entirely accurate. They have always been the fastest chips both in bus speed and instruction execution since they are RISC (short instructions). However the real life speed in your application may not make them the best for you. How was the application ported? Is it paying too high a cost if emulating? Are the HW design tradeoffs of the two chip designs an advantage or disadvantage to your use? Raw power yes, specifically for your use...mileage will vary. This may slowly change as a number of vendors bring Alpha or Alpha like systems to the mainstream and more apps are adapted to the Alpha and specifically fined tuned for Alpha use. Long and short for most users at this moment is stick with the slot 1/socket 7 crowd. Networm