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Technology Stocks : Intel Corporation (INTC) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: gnuman who wrote (65591)	9/29/1998 2:56:00 AM
From: Paul Engel	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 186894

Gene and Intel Investors - CNET Discusses AMD K6-2 Crash Bug "The flaw occurs when Windows 95 is run on 350-MHz K6-2 processors, according to AMD. Essentially, when a user attempts to boot up, the computer replies that a "Windows Protection" error has occurred and that the computer must be rebooted. Typically, the flaw does not repeat itself on the reboot. " This CRASH is referred to as a MINOR FLAW. Paul {===========================} news.com AMD fixes obscure K6-2 flaw By Michael Kanellos Staff Writer, CNET News.com September 28, 1998, 4:00 p.m. PT update A relatively obscure but annoying glitch has been discovered in the fastest versions of the K6-2 processor from Advanced Micro Devices, but the company and Microsoft have taken steps to eradicate it. The flaw occurs when Windows 95 is run on 350-MHz K6-2 processors, according to AMD. Essentially, when a user attempts to boot up, the computer replies that a "Windows Protection" error has occurred and that the computer must be rebooted. Typically, the flaw does not repeat itself on the reboot. The flaw only manifests itself intermittently and comes as a result of a mismatch between processor frequency and the software timing loop. The bug is not an inherent flaw to the processor. "Basically, the speed of the processor was too fast," said a spokesperson at AMD. The flaw does not appear on computers running Windows 98 or Windows NT, the spokesperson added. Major domestic computer vendors are bundling their AMD systems with Windows 98. Computers affected by the flaw are generally from overseas vendors or regional dealers. The flaw can also affect consumers who build their own systems. The 350-MHz K6-2 was released in late August. As a result, few systems are affected, said Michael Steel, an AMD product manager. A patch for the bug developed by Microsoft was posted late last week. To get the patch, users are told to contact Microsoft's support lines and request the "hotfix for Windows 95." The call is free but customers will be charged $35 for the support incident, according to an update on AMD's Web site. More on fixing the flaw can be found at a bulletin on AMD's Web site. AMD has known about the flaw since the release of the 350-MHz K6-2, and has been working on a patch since then. Typically, AMD does not post information on processor flaws until a fix is found, said sources. Later this year, 380 MHz and 400 MHz versions of the AMD chip are due.

To: gnuman who wrote (65591)	9/29/1998 11:47:00 AM
From: Mary Cluney	Read Replies (6) \| Respond to of 186894

Gene,>>> Digital photography devices, appliances, set-tops, dumb terminals, various StrongArm app's, etc. <<< These, I believe, are just a side show. They will never exceed more than 10% of Intel revenue - but it will buy Craig Barrett some time and keep the nervous nellies and extreme pessimists (present company excluded) from dumping the stock. In five years time, I believe, Intel will be the dominant company in the computer industry for these reasons: IBM will have lost their way as Lou Gerstner will turn IBM into (under the best scenario) a next century GE - with a portfolio of fairly profitable technology, services, and financial companies. When it comes to technology, Gerstner just doesn't have the technology background or inclination to provide IBM with a coherent vision that could translate into anything new in the technology area that could become dominant. As for Microsoft, the share prices reflect total domination in the software market for at least five years. Anything short of total domination will be a disappointment. But, you could never sell Bill Gates short. It is likely that he will find and develop dominant niches in content. The distinction between hardware, firmware, software, however, will blur even more. Therefore, I believe, Intel will more likely to be successful going into some areas of software than Microsoft will be in going into some areas of hardware (if that makes any sense). Intel's dominant position will be spearheaded by the IA64 platform. Further, a lot more of the OS, Communications, and the more complex Applications software will be embedded in the hardware. As a consequence, I see Intel encroaching into territories that are now dominated by IBM (mainframes), Sun (WS and Servers), Cisco (communications), and Microsoft (OS software). Intel is more focused, has the financial muscle, and occupies the center, or middleground, to bring all these things together in a coherent manner - more so than any other company in the world today. When I see Intel investments in technology (a portfolio of small hi-tech companies) and research (Virtual National Lab, IA Lab, and Oxford University) - I see an intelligent strategy coming into focus. So, while some pessimists and self proclaimed Analyst guru legend are examining ASP's in Celeron, Mendocino, sub $500 computers (yesterday's concerns), and whatever else that sounds good in a sound bite, Intel is gearing up for real growth. Mary Cluney PS: I wrote the above as much in response to your post as it is to clarify for myself the reason(s) for my investment. I just hope I didn't embarrass myself before a lot very technically knowledgeable people.