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Archive-name: powerpc-faq Last-modified: 10-March-95 ======================================================================== PowerPC FAQ 10 March 1995 ======================================================================== The PowerPC FAQ is maintained by Derek Noonburg (derekn@ece.cmu.edu). Please send me any and all additions, corrections, clarfications, and suggestions. # An HTML version of this FAQ is now available on the World Wide Web # <URL:http://www.mot.com/PowerPC/lib/ppc_faq.html>. Changes since last version (13-February-95): * added: * changed: 1-1, 1-5, 2-3, 2-7, 3-2, 3-3, 4-1 * moved: This document uses uniform resource locators (URLs) to refer to net resources. For more information, see the World Wide Web (WWW) FAQ. In general, for a URL of the form: <URL:ftp://foo.bar.com/someDirectory/someFile> you should anonymous ftp to foo.bar.com, cd into someDirectory, and get someFile. For a URL of the form: <URL:gopher://foo.bar.com/path> you should gopher to foo.bar.com, and follow the path. URLs of the form: <URL:http://foo.bar.com/path> indicate a hypertext document, which require a WWW viewer (such as Mosaic) to read. ======================================================================== Index ======================================================================== [1] Introduction [1-1] Where can a current copy of this FAQ be obtained? [1-2] Can I convert this FAQ to a different format and/or redistribute it? [1-3] What newsgroups are appropriate for PowerPC discussions? [1-4] What other FAQs contain PowerPC information? [1-5] What other net sources (ftp, gopher, etc.) contain PowerPC information? [1-6] Bibliography: where can I get more information on the PowerPC? [1-7] Contributors. [2] Processor [2-1] What is a PowerPC? [2-2] How does PowerPC relate to POWER and POWER2? [2-3] What processors have been announced? What are their specs? When will they be available? [2-4] What embedded controllers will be available? [2-5] How fast is a PowerPC? [2-6] Is there special hardware for emulating 68k or x86 processors? [2-7] What is the PowerPC 615? [3] Hardware [3-1] What PowerPC-based workstations are/will be available? When will they be available? How much will they cost? [3-2] What PowerPC-based PReP-compliant (IBM-compatible) personal computers are/will be available? When will they be available? How much will they cost? [3-3] What PowerPC-based Apple (and compatible) personal computers are/will be available? When will they be available? How much will they cost? [3-4] What PowerPC-based controllers are/will be available? When will they be available? How much will they cost? [3-5] What PowerPC-based supercomputers and parallel processors are/will be available? When will they be available? How much will they cost? [3-6] What other PowerPC-based systems are/will be available? When will they be available? How much will they cost? [3-7] What is PReP and how can I get a copy? [3-8] What is the Common Hardware Reference Platform (CHRP)? [3-9] Can PowerPC 601-based computers be upgraded to, e.g., a 604 when they become available? [3-10] Where can I get the specifications for the PCI bus? [3-11] What is FireWire? [4] Software [4-1] What operating systems will run on PowerPC-based computers? When will they be available? [4-2] What is PowerOpen? [4-3] What is Taligent / Pink? [4-4] Will NeXTStep be ported to the PowerPC? [4-5] What is WorkplaceOS? Will OS/2 be available on PowerPC-based computers? [4-6] Can IBM-PC / Macintosh software be run on PowerPC-based computers? [5] Comparisons [5-1] Should I buy a PowerPC system rather than a Pentium or 68k system? [5-2] What will be the differences between the various PowerPC-based personal computers? [6] Miscellaneous [6-1] What's the deal with Ford and the PowerPC? [6-2] What's the deal with 3DO and the PowerPC? ======================================================================== [1] Introduction ======================================================================== [1-1] Where can a current copy of this FAQ be obtained? This FAQ is posted monthly on comp.sys.powerpc, comp.answers, and news.answers. The HTML version is available on the World Wide Web <URL:http://www.mot.com/PowerPC/lib/ppc_faq.html>. The text version is available from the news.answers archives via anonymous ftp <URL:ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/powerpc-faq>. For other archive sites, see the "news.answers Introduction" post. [1-2] Can I convert this FAQ to a different format and/or redistribute it? This FAQ may be redistributed as long as the following guidelines are met: * You notify me by email that you are redistributing the FAQ. * The attribution notice ("The PowerPC FAQ is maintained by ...") is left intact. * The instructions for obtaining current copies of the FAQ (Question 1-1) are left intact. * You use the latest version of the FAQ you can get. * Any modifications (other than formatting) that you make are clearly marked as such. If you convert the FAQ to a different format, please email me a copy. If it is impossible to email it, contact me for other arrangements. If you are redistributing the FAQ and would like to get an up-to-date copy each month via email, let me know, and I will add you to my mailing list. Please specify text, HTML, or both. [1-3] What newsgroups are appropriate for PowerPC discussions? Comp.sys.powerpc is the primary newsgroup for PowerPC discussion. From the charter: "comp.sys.powerpc (unmoderated) will be a newsgroup which will provide a common forum to users and developers of products based on the PowerPC architecture." The comp.sys.mac.* groups are appropriate for discussions of PowerPC-based Macintoshes. [1-4] What other FAQs contain PowerPC information? The Macintosh PowerPC FAQ has been discontinued. Robert Boys maintains two FAQs of interest to comp.sys.powerpc readers. The comp.sys.m68k FAQ contains some information on the PowerPC, including the PowerPC embedded controllers. It is posted to comp.sys.m68k, comp.answers, and news.answers, and is available via ftp <URL:ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/motorola/68k-chips-faq> and on the web <URL:http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu:/text/faq/usenet/motorola/68k-chips-faq/faq.html>. The comp.arch.bus.vmebus FAQ, posted to comp.arch.bus.vmebus, contains information on PowerPC-based VME cards. The Linux/PowerPC FAQ is available via ftp <URL:ftp://liber.stanford.edu/pub/linuxppc/linux-ppc-faq> and on the web <URL:http://liber.stanford.edu/linuxppc/linux-ppc-FAQ.html>. [1-5] What other net sources (ftp, gopher, etc.) contain PowerPC information? Apple: * Apple Computer home page. <URL:http://www.apple.com/> * The Apple Support and Information Web. <URL:http://www.info.apple.com/> * Macintosh Application Environment. <URL:http://www.mae.apple.com/> * Press releases and product information. <URL:gopher://info.hed.apple.com/> * A list of companies and products <URL:gopher://ocf.berkeley.edu/hh/gopherspace/Computer/Systems/Macintosh/PowerMac_Products> supporting the Power Macintosh. (Maintained by Alan Coopersmith (alanc@ocf.berkeley.edu).) IBM: * IBM home page <URL:http://www.ibm.com/>: Press releases and product information (with lots of flashy graphics). * Austin WWW server <URL:http://www.austin.ibm.com/>: Technical and product information on the PowerPC and the RS/6000 line. * The IBM POWER Parallel Systems WWW server <URL:http://ibm.tc.cornell.edu/>. * IBM gopher <URL:gopher://top.gopher.ibm.com/> * Another gopher <URL:gopher://gopher.ibmlink.ibm.com/>: Press releases and the "IBM Announces" newsletter. * Another gopher <URL:gopher://ike.engr.washington.edu/>: Press releases and product information. Motorola: * Motorola PowerPC Customer Support and Information <URL:http://www.mot.com/PowerPC>. * Motorola home page <URL:http://www.mot.com/>. Taligent: * Taligent home page <URL:http://www.taligent.com/>: Overview of company objectives, products, etc. Other companies: * The PowerOpen Association's mail server (library@poweropen.org). For information, send email with the word "help" in the body. * Power Computing <URL:http://www.powercc.com/> is the first company to obtain a license to build Macintosh clones. * Parsytec home page. <URL:http://www.parsytec.de/> Miscellaneous: * The PowerPC News <URL:http://power.globalnews.com/> is an Internet-based free magazine, publishing news for both users and developers of PowerPC systems. To subscribe, send email to add@power.globalnews.com (no subject or body necessary). A table of contents will be sent to you for each issue; you can request specific articles via a mail server. Current and back issues are also available at the WWW site. * There are two PowerPC roundtables on GEnie: PowerPC (PPC) on page 1435 and PowerPC programmers' on page 1440. * There is a PowerPC forum on Compuserve. * There is a Power Macintosh Forum on America Online (part of the Mac Hardware Forum). * There is a PowerPC echo (Area: POWERPC) on Fidonet for discussions about "PowerPC hardware, software issues, availablity, RISC technology, developers, and more. Covers both PC and Mac versions." [1-6] Bibliography: where can I get more information on the PowerPC? Manuals and databooks: * Motorola publishes several brochures and manuals (free unless prices is specified): * PowerPC Brochure (BR1135/D) * PowerPC Software Overview (compilers, assemblers, simulators, loaders & debuggers) (SDP/D) * PowerPC C Compiler System, Product Review (CCOMPSTM/D) * PowerPC Fortran compilation System, Product Review (FTRANCOMPSTM/D) * PowerPC Architectural Simulator, Product Review (PPCARCH32/D) * PowerPC Microprocessor Family: The Programming Environments (MPCFPE/AD) -- $3.70 * PowerPC 601 RISC Microprocessor Technical Summary (MPC601/D) * PowerPC 601, User's Manual (MPC601UM/AD) -- $6.50 * PowerPC 601 Hardware Specification (MPC601EC/D) * PowerPC 601 Programmer's Reference Guide (MPC601PRG/D) (I've heard reports that this is no longer available.) * PowerPC Development Tools Catalog (MPCTOOLBK/AD) -- $4.50 * PowerPC 603 RISC Microprocessor Technical Summary (MPC603/D) * PowerPC 603 RISC Microprocessor User's Manual (MPC603UM/AD) * PowerPC 604 RISC Microprocessor Technical Summary (MPC604/D) All are available from Motorola's Literature Distribution Centers: USA Motorola Literature Distribution P.O. Box 20912 Phoenix, AZ, 85036 1-800-441-2447 Europe Motorola Ltd. European Literature Center 88 Tanners Drive Blakelands, Milton Keynes, MK14 5BP, England Japan Nippon Motorola Ltd. 4-32-1, Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku Tokyo 141 Japan Asia-Pacific Motorola Semiconductors H.K. Ltd. Silicon Harbour Center No. 2 Dai King Street Tai Po Industrial Estate Tai Po, N.T., Hong Kong * PowerPC manuals and databooks are also available from IBM by calling 1-800-POWERPC. * A PowerMac-specific manual is available from APDA: * Programmer's Introduction to RISC and PowerPC (R0172LL/A) -- $150 Books: # Most of this info has been culled from the net. I haven't actually # read all of these books. If you've read one of them and are willing to # write a very short review (5-6 lines), let me know. - Derek # (derekn@ece.cmu.edu) * Jeff Duntemann and Ron Pronk, _Inside the PowerPC Revolution_; Coriolis Group Books; April 30, 1994; ISBN 1-883577-04-7; $24.95. [Not very technical, but lots of "gossipy insider information". (IEEE Micro, Oct. 1994)] * Steve Heath, _NEWNES Power PC Programming Pocket Book_; Butterworth-Heinemann; Nov. 1994; ISBN 0-7506-2111-7; $22.95. [Similar information to the 601 user's manual.] * Jim Hoskins, _The Power PC Revolution!_; MaxFacts Special Report (Maximum Press); Aug., 1994; ISBN 0-9633214-9-8; $26.95. [Concentrates on the effects the PowerPC will have on business.] * IBM, _IBM RISC System/6000 Technology_. [Describes the POWER architecture and the POWER-based RS/6000 workstations.] * IBM, _PowerPC and POWER2: Technical Aspects of the New IBM Risc System/6000_; Apr., 1994; IBM book number SA23-2737-00. [Describes the PowerPC and POWER2 architectures and the workstations based on these processors, including I/O, graphics, and system software. (This was _RS/6000 Tech Vol. II_.) Available for around $40 from IBM: 1-800-879-2755. Selected papers from this book are available via the WWW <URL:http://www.austin.ibm.com/tech>.] * IBM, _PowerPC Architecture_; Oct., 1993; IBM book number SR28-5124-00. [The official manual for the PowerPC architecture. Three parts: instruction set architecture, virtual environment architecture, and operating environment architecture.] * IBM, _The PowerPC Architecture -- A Specification for a New Family of RISC Processors_; Morgan Kaufmann Publishers; Aug. 1994; ISBN 1-55860-316-6; $54.95. ["This is the official technical description of the PowerPC architecture and its hardware conventions." Errata are available via ftp <URL:ftp://ftp.austin.ibm.com/pub/technology/errata.ps.Z>.] * Stephan Somogyi, _The PowerPC Macintosh Book_; Addison-Wesley; August 1994; ISBN 0-201-62650-0; $19.95. ["could equally be called 'The story of the Macintoshes RISCy new Insides' ... It manages to cover the history of the PowerPC alliance, looking at Power Mac hardware and software, and includes sections on the internals of the chip itself." -PowerPC News] * Dan Sydow, _Programming the Power PC_; M&T Books; Aug. 1994; ISBN 1-55851-400-7; $34.94. [Covers 601, 603, 604, as well as x86-to-PPC migration.] * Shlomo Weiss and James E Smith, _IBM Power and PowerPC: Architecture and Implementation_; Morgan Kaufmann Publishers; May 1994; ISBN 1-55860-279-8; $54.95. ["Writtten from the perspective of developers and teachers of high performance computing, this book provides a wealth of information about IBM's important contributions to the development and evolution of RISC technology."] * Jerry Young, _Insider's Guide to PowerPC Computing_; QUE Corporation; May 1994; ISBN 1-56529-625-7; $29.99. [Provides detailed information on the new architecture and its history, from the early IBM RISC designs. Describes the relationship between the PowerPC architecture and IBM's POWER architecture, from which it was developed. Provides description of the characteristics and advantages of RISC architecture and the special features of the PowerPC architecture. Includes in-depth descriptions of the 601 and 603 microprocessors and offers an overview of early PowerPC-based systems.] * ???, _PowerPC Concepts, Architecture, and Design_; McGraw-Hill; 1994; ISBN 0-07-011192-8; $34.95. Papers, articles, etc.: * Michael S. Allen, Michael C. Becker, "Multiprocessing Aspects of the PowerPC 601 Microprocessor", Proc. COMPCON 1993, 117-126. * J. Alvarez, et al., "A wide-bandwidth low-voltage PLL for PowerPC microprocessors", Proc. 1994 IEEE Symposium on VLSI Circuits, 37-38. * William Anderson, "An overview of Motorola's PowerPC simulator family", Communications of the ACM, v37 n6, 64-69. * Michael C. Becker et al., "The PowerPC 601 Microprocessor", IEEE Micro, Oct. 1993, 54-68. * J. Bertsch, et al., "Experimental 2.0 V power/performance optimization of a 3.6 V-design CMOS microprocessor-PowerPC 601", Proc. 1994 VLSI Technology Symposium, 83-84. * David Biedny, "PowerPC: the era of RISC begins", Windows Sources, v2 n6 p140(7). [includes related articles on the PowerPC family, glossary, pros and cons of PowerPC architecture, benchmark tests] * Brad Burgess, et al., "The PowerPC 603 microprocessor", Communications of the ACM, v37 n6, June, 1994, 34-42. * Brad Burgess et al., "The PowerPC 603 Micrporocessor: A High Performance, Low Power, Superscalar RISC Microprocessor", Proc. COMPCON 1994, 300-306. * Dave Bursky, "RISC microcontrollers start with PowerPC roots but grow in different directions", Electronic Design, v42 n10, 38-39. [IBM's PowerPC 403GA embedded processor and Motorola's RMCU505 microcontroller.] * B. Dawson, "PowerPC hits the road", Byte v19 n7, 141-142. * Keith Diefendorff, "History of the PowerPC architecture", Communications of the ACM, v37 n6, June, 1994, 28-33. * Mary Jo Foley, "IBM to push OS/2 for PowerPC over Windows NT, AIX ports", PC Week, v11 n24, 23. * Ric Ford, "Hacking PPC Enabler plus other updates", MacWEEK v8 n27, July 4, 1994, 28. * S. Glenn, et al., "Functional design verification for the PowerPC 601 microprocessor", Proc. of IEEE VLSI Test Symposium. * Linley Gwennap, "Prep Standardizes PowerPC Systems", Microprocessor Report, Dec. 27, 1993. * Ean Houts, "Lower priced Power Macs offer different strengths", InfoWorld, v16 n18, May 2, 1994, 128. * Wayne Huang, et al., "CBGA package design for C4 powerPC microprocessor chips: trade-off between substrate routability and performance", Proc. 1994 IEEE 44th Electronic Components & Technology Conference, 88-93. * Sara Humphrey, "Inside the PowerPC Revolution", PC Week, v11 n26, July 4, 1994. [book reviews] * E. M. Kass, "PowerPC Surprise", InformationWEEK, n474, 12-14. * Andrew Lawrence, "PowerPC - a new desktop standard?", IBM System User, v15 n5, May, 1994, 43-44. * J. Marris, "PowerPC - an analysis", Desktop Publishing Commentary v9 n9, 6-9. * Charles R. Moore, "The PowerPC 601 Microprocessor", Proc. COMPCON 1993, 109-116. * Charles R. Moore, et al., "The PowerPC Alliance", Communications of the ACM, v37 n6, June, 1994, 25-27. * Richard Nass, "VME boards combine PCI bus and PowerPC CPUs", Electronic Design, v42 n14, July 11, 1994, 129-131. * Ali Poursepanj, "The PowerPC; performance modeling methodology", Communications of the ACM, v37 n6, June, 1994, 47-55. * Chris Rose, "Abstracting the meat of the PowerPC Reference Platform beta version - part one", Computergram International, May 27, 1994. * Chris Rose, "Abstracting the meat of the PowerPC Reference Platform beta version - part two", Computergram International, June 6, 1994. * Ryan, Thompson, "PowerPC 604 Weighs In", Byte, June, 1994. * Larry J. Seltzer, "OS/2 for PowerPC: microkernel for the masses?", PC Week, v11 n22, June 6, 1994, 81-82. * Julie Shipnes, et al., "A modular approach to Motorola PowerPC compilers", Communications of the ACM, v37 n6, June, 1994, 56-63. * E. Silha, G. Paap, "PowerPC: A Performance Architecture", Proc. COMPCON 1993, 104-108. * Michael Slater, "Motorola and IBM Unveil PowerPC 603", Microprocessor Report, Oct. 25, 1993. * J. E. Smith, et al., "PowerPC 601 and Alpha 21064: a tale of two RISCs", Computer, v27 n6, 46-58. * Brad W. Suessmith, et al., "PowerPC 603 microprocessor; power management", Communications of the ACM, v37 n6, June, 1994, 43-36. * Nasr Ullah, et al., "The making of the PowerPC", Communications of the ACM, v37 n6, June, 1994, 22-23. * Michael Vizard, "The Tower of PowerPC; Untapped potential in search of a killer application", PC Week, v11 n24, 22-23. * "Apple and IBM demonstrate 120-MHz 601" Microprocessor Report, v8 n8, June 20, 1994, 4-5. * "Floating-point bottleneck", MacWEEK, v8 n21, 44. [comparing performance of Motorola PowerPC and Intel CPUs] * "The Making of the PowerPC" (special issue), Communications of the ACM, June, 1994. * "Parsytec produces TRAM module that combines PowerPC with T425 transputer for industrial applications", Computergram International, June 20, 1994. * PowerPC special issue, IEEE Micro, Oct., 1994. [1-7] Contributors. The following people have contributed to this FAQ. (Please do not contact them with questions about the FAQ.) * Alan Coopersmith (alanc@ocf.Berkeley.EDU) * Stuart Schechter (Schechter.1@osu.edu) * Robert Sprick (asrs@acad2.alaska.edu) * Yoshio Turner (yoshio@CS.UCLA.EDU) ======================================================================== [2] Processor ======================================================================== [2-1] What is a PowerPC? A PowerPC is a microprocessor designed to meet a standard which was jointly designed by Motorola, IBM, and Apple. The PowerPC standard specifies a common instruction set architecture (ISA), allowing anyone to design and fabricate PowerPC processors, which will run the same code. The PowerPC architecture is based on the IBM POWER architecture, used in IBM's RS/6000 workstations. Currently IBM and Motorola are working on PowerPC chips. The PowerPC architecture specifies both 32-bit and 64-bit data paths. Early implementations will be 32-bit; future higher-performance implementations will be 64-bit. A PowerPC has 32 general purpose (integer) registers (32- or 64-bit) and 32 floating point (IEEE standard 64-bit) registers. NB: A PowerPC is *not* a computer, any more than an 80486 is a computer. [2-2] How does PowerPC relate to POWER and POWER2? As mentioned above, PowerPC is a direct descendant of POWER. POWER2 is also a descendant of POWER, developed by IBM for use in their workstations and other systems. POWER2 is an eight-chip multi-chip module, and was released at approximately the same time as the first PowerPC chip. While it is faster than the early PowerPC processors, it is not as fast as the 620 is projected to be. It is likely that IBM will combine the POWER family into the PowerPC family. [2-3] What processors have been announced? What are their specs? When will they be available? PowerPC 601 The very first PowerPC. It was designed as bridge between the POWER architecture and the PowerPC architecture. For this reason, it incorporates the user-level POWER instructions which were eliminated from the PowerPC specification. PowerPC 601+ This is a 601, implemented in a 0.5u CMOS process. This effectively means that it runs faster and draws less power. PowerPC 602 A processor aimed at consumer electronics (set-top boxes, game consoles, etc.), PDAs, and embedded controller applications. PowerPC 603 A low-power processor, intended for portable applications, e.g., notebook computers. Performance is roughly comparable to the 601 (see below for benchmarks). PowerPC 603e A higher-performance 603 with a faster clock and bigger caches. (Originally called the "603+".) PowerPC 604 A higher-performance processor, intended for high-end desktop systems. PowerPC 620 An even higher-performance processor, aimed at high-end systems and multiprocessors. The 620 is the first 64-bit PowerPC implementation. PowerPC 630 No details available on this chip yet. (Previously referred to as the POWER 3 architecture.) The 601 is manufactured by IBM and sold by both IBM and Motorola. The 603 and 603e are manufactured by both IBM and Motorola. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Processor Clk(MHz) Power(W) Price(US$) --------- -------- -------- ---------- MPC601 50 5.6 165 66 7 165 80 8 249 MPC601+ 100 4 399 110 ? ? MPC602 66 1.2 ? MPC603 66 2.5 165 80 3 195 MPC603e 100 1.2 ? MPC604 100 13 549 MPC620 133 30 Data Bus Func units Si Ship Proc width width (I/FP/BP/LS) Cache Trans Process date date ------- ----- ----- ------------ ----- ----- ---------- ------ ------- MPC601 32 64 1/1/1/0 32 2.8 0.6u CMOS Oct92 Apr 93 MPC601+ 32 64 1/1/1/0 32 2.8 0.5u CMOS 2Q 94 Nov 94 MPC602 32 64 ? 4/4 ? 0.5u CMOS ? 2H 95 MPC603 32 32/64 1/1/1/1 8/8 1.6 0.5u CMOS Oct93 Nov 94 MPC603e 32 32/64 ? 16/16 2.6 0.5u CMOS ? 2H 95 MPC604 32 64 3/1/1/1 16/16 3.6 0.5u CMOS Apr94 Dec 94 MPC620 64 64/128 3/1/1/1 32/32 7 0.5u CMOS Oct94 2H 95 Notes: * Data width: width of the general purpose (integer/address) registers and integer ALU(s), in bits * Bus width: external memory data bus width, in bits -- the memory bus can be, and often is, wider than the internal data path * Functional units: I = integer unit FP = floating point unit BP = branch processing unit LS = load/store unit * Cache: On-chip cache in kilobytes - two numbers means instruction/data; one number means unified * Price: in US dollars, for large quantities * Trans: number of transistors, in millions * Si date: first silicon date ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [2-4] What embedded controllers will be available? IBM has announced the PowerPC 4xx embedded controller family. These will be available as general purpose microcontrollers, application- specific processors, and ASIC cores. The 4xx family will integrate caches and other system-level logic to facilitate simpler and cheaper designs. Performance or cost information is not yet available. One chip, the PPC 403GA, has been announced. Motorola has announced the MPC500 family of microcontrollers. These microprocessors will be "100% compatible" with the MPC600 series. The first chip in this family, the MPC505, will run at 25 MHz. Samples of the 25 MHz chip are expected in 4Q 1994, with 40 MHz parts expected by 4Q 1995. The MPC505 consists of a PowerPC core, a 4 kB SRAM module, and a multi-functional system integration unit (SIU) (similar to the 68300 family). [2-5] How fast is a PowerPC? This table lists SPEC results for PowerPC machines, as well as a few others, for comparison purposes. (SPEC is a benchmark suite designed to test system performance. The SPECint portion uses integer-only code, e.g., compilers; the SPECfp program uses floating point code, e.g., circuit simulation.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- SPEC92 -- Processor Clock Cache int fp System ------------ ------- ------------ ----- ----- --------------------- MPC601 50 MHz 0/32k 41.7 51.0 IBM RS/6000 N40 66 MHz 0/32k 62.6 72.2 IBM RS/6000 250 66 MHz 0/32k 63.7 67.8 IBM RS/6000 40P 66 MHz 256k/32k 75.1 77.0 IBM RS/6000 40P 80 MHz 0/32k 78.8 90.4 IBM RS/6000 250 80 Mhz 0.5M/32k 88.1 98.7 IBM RS/6000 41T & 41W 80 Mhz 1M/32k 90.5 100.8 IBM RS/6000 C10 MPC601+ 100 MHz ?/32k 105 125 ? estimate MPC602 66 MHz ?/4k/4k 40 ? Motorola/IBM estimate MPC603 66 MHz 1M/8k/8k 60 70 Motorola estimate 80 MHz 1M/8k/8k 75 85 Motorola estimate MPC603e 100 MHz ?/16k/16k 120 105 Motorola/IBM estimate MPC604 100 MHz 1M/16k/16k 160 165 Motorola estimate MPC620 133 MHz ?/32k/32k 225 300 estimate i486DX2 66 MHz 256k/8k 32.2 16.0 Compaq Deskpro i486DX4 100 MHz 256k/16k 51.4 26.6 Micronics M4P PCI Pentium 66 MHz 256k/8k/8k 65.1 63.6 Compaq Systempro/XL Pentium 90 MHz 512k/8k/8k 90.1 72.7 Intel XPRESS Pentium 100 MHz 512k/8k/8k 100.0 80.6 Intel XPRESS 68040 33 MHz ? 18 13 Mac Q950 68040 33 MHz ? 20.3 ? Mac Q800 Notes: * SPEC does not allow estimated figures. The lines which are marked "estimate" are not officially SPEC numbers, and are likely to be proven inaccurate when real machines are released. * Cache numbers are in kB or MB: format is external/instruction/data or external/unified. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ # I'd like to list one or two more 040-based Macs in this table -- If # anyone has Mac SPEC data, please let me know. More information on the SPEC benchmark, including numbers for other systems, is available in the newsgroup comp.benchmarks. [2-6] Is there special hardware for emulating 68k or x86 processors? All currently announced emulators are purely software. The PowerPC architecture has a group of byte-reversing load and store instructions which might be useful for emulating little-endian x86 processors on a big-endian PowerPC system (such as an RS/6000 or a Power Macintosh). There are no PowerPC processors with additional special hardware for translating instructions from other processor families (but see the next question). In addition, because software emulation has been reasonably successful, it seems very unlikely that there will ever be hardware of this type. [2-7] What is the PowerPC 615? There are a couple of conflicting rumors regarding the 615. IBM has denied that the project even exists. The dominant rumor suggests that the the 615 is a PowerPC processor, being designed by IBM, which will contain special Intel x86 emulation hardware. The latest version of the rumor claims that first silicon is expected in March 1995. Another rumor has the 615 as a PowerPC processor which will fit into Intel OverDrive sockets, instantly turning an x86 system into a PowerPC system. One problem with this is that the BIOS ROMs on PC motherboards contain x86 code. ======================================================================== [3] Hardware ======================================================================== [3-1] What PowerPC-based workstations are/will be available? When will they be available? How much will they cost? IBM offers a line of RS/6000 workstations and servers, based on PowerPC processors. These all run AIX (IBM's UNIX), and are binary compatible with all other RS/6000s, including POWER-based systems. SPEC benchmark figures for some of these are listed in the table above. The RS/6000 40P is PReP-compliant, which means that it can run Windows NT, as well as AIX. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ model proc clk L2 RAM price date notes ------------- ------- --- ------ ------- ----- ------- ---------- - Desktop 250 601 66 - 16-256 5445 Oct 93 obsolete 250 601 80 - 16-256 ? Aug 94 41W/T 601 80 0.5 16-256 10895 Jun 94 40P 601 66 0.25 16-192 3995 Oct 94 - Notebook N40 601 50 - 16-64 11995 Mar 94 - X Terminal Xstation 160 603 66 - 8 4949 Feb 95 - Server C10 601 80 1.0 16-256 11500 Jun 94 G30 2-4 601 75 0.5 32-512 40900 Oct 94 604 upgrd J30 2-4 601 75 1.0 64-2048 70500 Oct 94 604/620 up R30 2-4 601 75 1.0 64-2048 83900 Oct 94 604/620 up Notes: * proc: number and type of processors * clk: clock speed (MHz) * L2: standard and optional second-level cache (MB) * RAM: memory configuration (MB) * price: base price in US dollars * date: initial ship date ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Groupe Bull offers 601-based workstations and the ESCALA line of multiprocessors, all running AIX. The multiprocessors are also sold by IBM (as the G30, J30, and R30) and by Motorola (as the MP601-75). Groupe Bull also sells a number of the Motorola systems. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ model proc clk L2 RAM price date notes ------------- ------- --- ------ ------- ----- ------- ---------- - Workstation ? 601 66 ? ? 5445 ? - Multiprocessor Minitower 2-4 601 75 0.5 32-512 ? ? 604 upgrd Deskside 2-8 601 75 1.0 64-2048 ? ? 604/620 up Rack 2-8 601 75 1.0 64-2048 ? ? 604/620 up ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Motorola has announced its PowerStack line of workstations and servers. Motherboards will also be available. All are based on the PCI bus and will ship with AIX or Windows NT (when available). The multiprocessor is built by Bull; all other systems are built by Motorola. Motorola will sell only to OEMs, not to individuals. The following brochures are available: * PowerStack Series Family (POWERSTACK/B) * PowerStack RISC PC DT603-66 (DT603-66/DS) * PowerStack RISC PC DT604-100 (DT604-100/DS) * PowerStack RISC PC MT603-66 (MT603-66/DS) * PowerStack RISC PC MT604-100 (MT604-100/DS) * PowerStack Series E603-66P (E603-66P/DS2) * PowerStack Series E604-100P (E604-100P/DS2) * PowerStack Series MP601-75 (MP601/DS1) Contact the Motorola Computer Group at 1-800-759-1107 for brochures or more info on these systems. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ model proc clk L2 RAM price date notes ------------- ------- --- ------ ------- ----- ------- ---------- - Desktop DT603-66 603 66 0-1 16-128 3295 Dec 94 desktop MT603-66 603 66 0-1 16-128 ? Dec 94 mini-tower DT604-100 604 100 0-1 16-128 ? Dec 94 desktop MT604-100 604 100 0-1 16-128 ? Dec 94 mini-tower - Server E603-66P 603 66 0.25-1 16-128 5995 Dec 94 stackable E604-100P 601 100 0.25-1 16-128 7995 Dec 94 stackable - Multiprocessor MP601-75 2-8 601 75 1 64-2048 ? Dec 94 604 upgrd - Motherboards Atlas 603 603 66 0-1 ? 1505 Dec 94 Atlas 604 604 100 0-1 ? 2105 Dec 94 Ultra 603 603 66 0-1 2-128 2255 Dec 94 Ultra 604 604 100 0-1 2-128 2405 Dec 94 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Peacock, in Germany, will sell a Motorola-built PowerStack server with an 80 MHz 601, running AIX. Contact Peacock AG at ++49-295779-0 (tel) or ++49-295779-9067 (FAX). [3-2] What PowerPC-based PReP-compliant (IBM-compatible) personal computers are/will be available? When will they be available? How much will they cost? See also Question 3-7. IBM has announced a line of Power Personal Systems (PPS). Three models have been demonstrated: a desktop system (601, PCI and ISA slots), a small footprint desktop system (603, PCMCIA slots), and a laptop system (603). The 603-based desktop was apparently canceled in early 1995. OS/2 and Windows NT are exepcted to be available when these machines are released. They will also run Solaris and Taligent when available. In addition, IBM is working on a UNIX personality, based on the Workplace kernel. The originally announced release date for the PPSs was the second half of 1994, but in September, 1994, IBM announced that they were waiting for more native software to be ready, and the systems wouldn't ship until sometime (various rumors say February or first half) in 1995. No prices have been announced, but IBM has said that they will be comparable to Pentium systems. Machines are available to developers through the IBM Power Personal Developer's Toolbox Program (call 1-800-627-8363). FirePower Systems (formed as a partnership with Canon) offers the Powerized family of PReP 1.0 compliant systems. Currently available are 603, and 604-based uniprocessor sytems (the Powerized ES line) and a 604-based multiprocessor (the Powerized MX line). A 603e-based system (also in the ES line) is expected in 2Q95. Also available are designs and motherboards. All systems run Windows NT. FirePower sells only to OEMs. The systems were announced in November 1994 and are currently being sold by Canon and IPC Technologies Inc. Contact: 415-462-3025. The Taiwan New PC Consortium (TNPC) demonstrated a 601-based PReP-compliant personal computer, running OS/2 and Windows NT, at CeBIT in Germany (March 1994). Planned models will feature 50-80 MHz 601's and 75 MHz 603's. The expected release date for the first models was 3Q 1994, but this seems to have slipped. Canon has announced that it will work with IBM on the PReP specification. In particular, they plan to work on extensions to PReP for PDA's and office products. Tatung sells several PReP-compliant systems. 601-based systems were available in October 1994. 604-based systems are expected in 1Q95. DTK Computers (a Taiwanese company) sells an 80 MHz 601 system, which runs Windows NT, and will run OS/2 when available. [3-3] What PowerPC-based Apple (and compatible) personal computers are/will be available? When will they be available? How much will they cost? The first Apple Power Macintosh models were released on March 14, 1994. All PowerMacs run System 7, just like the 68k Macs. They come with an emulator which will allow them to run 68k Mac applications. Critical parts of the Toolbox ROM code have been ported and run natively; the remainder is emulated. Workgroup servers, the 6150, 8150, and 9150, are also available. These currently run AppleShare 4.0.2. They will be able to run Novell's Processor Independent NetWare (PIN) 4 when it becomes available. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ model proc clk L2 RAM price date notes ------------- ------- --- ------ ------- ----- ------- ---------- 6100/60 601 60 0-0.25 8-72 1800 Mar 94 1 NB slot Performa 61xx 601 60 0-0.25 8-72 2600 Oct 94 1 NB slot 6150 601 60 0.25 8-72 ? Apr 94 1 NB slot 6100/66 601 66 0.25 8-72 ? Jan 95 1 NB slot 7100/66 601 66 0-0.25 8-136 2900 Mar 94 3 NB slots 7100/80 601 80 0.25 8-136 ? Jan 95 3 NB slots 8100/80 601 80 0.25 8-264 4200 Mar 94 3 NB slots 8150 601 80 0.25 16-264 ? Apr 94 3 NB slots 9150 601 80 0.5 16-264 ? Apr 94 4 NB slots 8100/100 601+ 100 0.25 8-264 ? Jan 95 3 NB slots 8100/110 601+ 110 0.25 16-264 6400 Nov 94 3 NB slots Notes: * NB slot = NuBus slot ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Configurations are available with different RAM and hard disk sizes. Some configurations are bundled with a CD ROM drive and/or SoftWindows and/or various other software. Three types of upgrade from 68k Macs to the 601 are available from Apple: a replacement logic board at 60, 66, or 80 MHz (prices range from approximately $1500 to $2000); a PDS board at double the clock speed of the original 68040 (for around $600); and a daughterboard which replaces the 68040 in low-end Macs with a double-speed (50 or 66 Mhz) 601 ($659). The duaghterboard plugs into the CPU socket and the 68040 plugs into the board. With either the PDS board or the daughterboard, the system can be booted using either processor. Daystar Digital also offers various upgrade options. Portable Power Macs are expected in mid 1995. Power Computing is the first company to get a license from Apple to produce Macintosh clones. The computers will be manufactured by CompuAdd Computer Corporations. The first machines are expected in Spring 1995. Power Computing has a WWW page <URL:http://www.powercc.com/>. Radius has also announced that it will make Mac clones. Radius intends to target color publishing and video users. Machines are expected in mid 1995. Pioneer has licensed the MacOS and has announced a line of low-end systems aimed at the home entertainment market. The 66 MHz 601-based MPC-GX1 is expected to be demonstrated at the end of February 1995. The availability date is unknown. Daystar Digital has announced a line of PCI bus PowerMac clones, which will support up to four 604s. The first systems are expected in August 1995. [3-4] What PowerPC-based controllers are/will be available? When will they be available? How much will they cost? CETIA (a subsidiary of Thomson-CSF) is selling PowerPC-based VME single-board computers. Currently available are 66 and 100 MHz 601-based boards and the PowerEngine CVME 603, a PReP compliant 66 MHz 603-based board. Available OS's are UNI/XT (AIX) and UNI/RT 5.0 (LynxOS). VxWorks (from Wind River Systems) is currently in beta. The 66 MHz 601 board with 16 MB of memory sells for $7100. Contact: 617-494-0987 (North America). The Motorola Computer Group has announced a family of VME boards. The MVME1600/PM603 uses a 66 MHz 603; the MVME1600/PM604 uses a 100 MHz 604. [3-5] What PowerPC-based supercomputers and parallel processors are/will be available? When will they be available? How much will they cost? Parsytec has announced that it will be combining PowerPC processors and Transputer communication processors in its multiprocessor systems. These include: * the MPP supercomputer series GC/PowerPlus (32-1024 601's, 2.5-80 GFLOPS) * the desktop MPP series PowerXplorer (4-64 601's, 5 GFLOPS peak, under $70,000 per GFLOPS) * the modular real-time product series MC-3 For more information, contact: Carsten Rietbrock Parsytec GmbH Product Marketing Juelicherstrasse 338 52070 Aachen GERMANY Tel.: +49-241-166000; Fax: +49-241-16600-50 ISG Technologies has announced a line of parallel processor-based accelerators. The entry-level Pulsus uses 8 601's (clock speed unspecified). The expected ship date is 4Q 1994. [3-6] What other PowerPC-based systems are/will be available? When will they be available? How much will they cost? 3DO has announced that its second generation game machine will use a PowerPC processor. See Question 6-2. Apple has announced a "multimedia platform" called Pippin, which will be based on MacOS and the PowerPC 603. Pippin is intended to compete with Sega, Nintendo, and 3DO, but is supposed to run other multimedia applications in addition to games. The first Pippin system will be designed by Apple and manufactured by Bandai, a Japanese company, and is expected to be available for Christmas 1995 for around $500. [3-7] What is PReP and how can I get a copy? The PowerPC Reference Platform (PReP) is a system standard, designed by IBM, intended to ensure compatibility among PowerPC-based systems built by different companies. The PReP standard specifies the PCI bus, but will also support ISA, MicroChannel, and PCMCIA. According to IBM, PReP-compliant systems will be able to run OS/2 AIX, Solaris, Taligent, and Windows NT. IBM systems will (of course) be PReP-compliant. Apple's first PowerPC Macs are not compliant; future Macs will probably be CHRP-compliant (see below). The current version of the PReP spec is 1.1. Here are the instructions for obtaining a copy of PReP specification (freely available to all requesters). For hardcopy: * In USA: 1-800-POWERPC (1-800-769-3772) 1-708-296-6767 if the above number cannot be reached or multilingual operator is needed * In Europe: (39)-39-600-4295 * Hardware system vendors may obtain IBM design kits which give further information on the reference implementation by contacting IBM at the numbers listed above or at one of the following numbers: * In Europe: (33)-6713-5757 (in French) (33)-6713-5756 (in Italian) (49)-511-516-3444 (in English) (49)-511-516-3555 (in German) * In Asia: (81)-755-87-4745 (in Japanese) For softcopy (PostScript files): * CompuServe PowerPC Forum, PowerPC Ref Platform library section * IBM Information Network/IIN IBMLink, PowerPC Bulletin Board Services * Internet anonymous ftp <URL:ftp://ftp.austin.ibm.com/pub/technology/spec> [3-8] What is the Common Hardware Reference Platform (CHRP)? The CHRP is an open platform agreed on by Apple, IBM, and Motorola. All CHRP systems will be able to run MacOS, OS/2-PPC, Windows NT, AIX, and possibly others. CHRP machines will be compatible with PReP machines and PowerMacs; this is, you'll be able to run applications written for the PReP OS's (OS/2-PPC, Windows NT, AIX) and the PowerMac (MacOS) on the new CHRP systems (under the same OS, of course). More technical information will be available in early 1995. Prototype systems are supposed to arrive in 1995, and the first real machines in late 1995 or early 1996. [3-9] Can PowerPC 601-based computers be upgraded to, e.g., a 604 when they become available? The currently available 601-based systems (IBM RS/6000-250, Apple PowerMac) are apparently not upgradeable. According to rumors, the processors in some future PowerMacs may be on a replacable daughterboard. Of course, motherboard upgrades will likely be available for many of these machines. IBM Power Personal Systems will have a 200-pin slot on the motherboard, apparently intended for a level-2 cache or a processor upgrade. Motorola PowerStack systems provide a L2 cache socket which can also be used for PowerPC processor upgrades simply by plugging in a daughter board. [3-10] Where can I get the specifications for the PCI bus? The following documents: * PCI Spec Rev 2.0 * PCI BIOS Spec Rev 2.0 * PCI Sys Design Guide 1.0 * PCI Local Bus Product Guide are available for $25 each or $50 for the first three from: PCI Special Interest Group M/S HF3-15A 5200 N.E. Elam Young Parkway Hillsboro, Oregon 97124-6497 Phone: 800-433-5177 FAX: 503-693-0920 [3-11] What is FireWire? FireWire is a joint Apple and TI implementation of the ANSI P1394 SerialBus standard. It is a high-speed (100 Mb/s) serial bus for peripheral devices; it is intended to replace Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) and SCSI, for example. FireWire supports automatic configuration ("plug-and-play") and hot-plugging. It is also isochronous, meaning that a fixed slice of bandwidth can be dedicated to a particular peripheral, e.g., for video. ======================================================================== [4] Software ======================================================================== [4-1] What operating systems will run on PowerPC-based computers? When will they be available? UNIX Several flavors of UNIX have been (or will be) ported to the PowerPC. IBM's AIX has been available since October 1993. AIX 4.1, available in August, 1994 is PowerOpen-compliant. There will also be a version called Personal AIX, which will come without certain utilities and development tools, for IBM's PC's. Apple will not ship A/UX for the PowerPC. Tenon Intersystems' MachTen is a Mach-based UNIX for the Macintosh. The current version is for 68k Macs, but will run (slowly) in emulation on the PowerMacs. A native PowerPC version is expected in 1Q95. There are people working on a PowerPC port of Linux. Target platforms are the Apple PowerMacs and the Motorola PowerStack systems. For more information, see the Linux/PowerPC FAQ <URL:http://liber.stanford.edu/linuxppc/linux-ppc-FAQ.html>. IBM and SunSoft have signed an agreement which says that SunSoft will port Solaris for PReP-compliant systems and IBM will distribute it. A beta release was demonstrated at the Sydney Solaris Forum in August 1994. The PowerPC version of Solaris will have the same API as the SPARC and x86 versions; most applications will run on the PowerPC with only a recompile. SunSoft expects to release Solaris for PowerPC, x86, and SPARC platforms before mid-1995. Harris Computer Systems Corporation currently offers Secure/Power UNIX, a multi-level secure PowerOpen-compliant operating system for IBM RS/6000 workstations and Harris Night Hawk multiprocessors. Secure/Power UNIX is the first standards-based B2-level environment available for the RS/6000. Harris will release Real-Time/Power UNIX and PowerUNIX in 1995. Secure/Power UNIX is available through Harris Computer Systems Corp. and IBM Federal. Contact: Lisa Thornhill at 305-977-5615. Ports of NeXTStep and Novell UnixWare are rumored to be underway. MacOS Power Macintoshes ship with System 7, just like 68k Macs. Critical parts of the Toolbox (system code in ROM) have been ported to the PowerPC; the remainder is emulated. Apple analyzed existing code to determine the most frequently used Toolbox routines, and ported those first. Apple has ported the MacOS to other platforms. See the description of MAS and MAE in Question 4-6. With the CHRP announcement (see Question 3-8), Apple announced that it would start selling the MacOS independently of Apple hardware. This means that a user will be able to buy MacOS in a store, and install it in any CHRP system. Whether MacOS for CHRP systems will be on disk or on ROMs is still up in the air. Windows Windows NT has been ported to the PowerPC. The expected release date is 1Q 1995. OS/2 (was WorkplaceOS) OS/2-PPC will be source code compatible with OS/2-x86 for 32-bit applications, i.e., 32-bit OS/2 applications will run natively after recompiling. 16-bit OS/2 applications will have to be ported to 32-bit before reompilation. OS/2-PPC will provide an emulator for MS-DOS and Windows code (see below), however it will not support OS/2-x86 code. The first alpha release of OS/2-PPC was sent to developers in Nov., 1994. In Dec. 1994, IBM sent the first beta release, which includes features of OS/2 Warp, to 150 software developers. The second beta release is expected by the end of 1Q95. The release version is expected some time in 1995. "If you're an IHV or OEM, and plan to support OS/2 For PowerPC, do we have a deal for you. You can fill out an application for the OS/2 For PowerPC beta program, and if you qualify, we will train you and send you your own free PowerPC loaner (for one year) preloaded with OS/2 For PowerPC. You can fill out an application at Comdex, or download it from the DUDE, at (407) 982-3217, N81. Stop by and see us at Comdex for more information on the IHV/OEM OS/2 For PowerPC loaner program. --Steve, OS/2 For PowerPC IHV/OEM Support, Boca Raton" [from CompuServe] (See also Question 4-5.) Others Taligent (see "What is Taligent" below). LynxOS is a real-time UNIX-like operating system, which has been ported to the 601, 603, and 604. It is currently available for Cetia's VME boards (see above). It is expected to be available for IBM's PReP systems in 2Q95. Contact Lynx Real Time Systems at 408-354-7770 or sales@lynx.com. OS/9, a real-time UNIX-like operating system for embedded systems, is available for PowerPC-based systems. Contact Microware. pSOS+ is a real time operating system for the PowerPC with networking support. It currently runs on the Motorola MVME1603 boards and on 403GA boards. Contact Integrated Systems, Inc. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ name company base OS GUI endian avail ----------------- ----------- --------------- ------- ------ ------ AIX 4.1 IBM SysVR3 X+Motif big Oct 93 NeXTStep NeXT Mach2 + BSD4.3 DPS ? ? Solaris 2.x SunSoft SysVR4 X+Motif little mid 95 Secure/Power UNIX Harris SysVR4 X+Motif ? Jun 94 UnixWare Novell SysVR4 X+Motif ? ? MachTen Tenon Mach2 + BSD4.3 X+Motif big 1Q 95 System 7 Apple custom custom big Mar 94 Windows NT Microsoft custom custom little 1Q 95 OS/2 - PPC IBM Mach3 + custom custom little 95 PIN Novell Netware ? ? ? Taligent Taligent custom custom? ? 95 Linux Gnu Pub Lic ? X big ? LynxOS Lynx AT&T RTK X+Motif ? Jul 94 OS/9 Microware custom X, cust ? Dec 94 pSOS+ ISI custom X big Dec 93 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [4-2] What is PowerOpen? The PowerOpen Association defines and promotes the PowerOpen Environment (POE). The POE is a standard for UNIX-like operating systems running on PowerPC processors. The POE is not an operating system, it is a definition containing an application program interface (API) specification as well as an application binary interface (ABI) specification. The presence of the ABI specification in the POE is a factor distinguishing PowerOpen from other open systems (POSIX, XPG4, etc.) since it allows achievement of platform independent binary compatibility. Any POE-compliant operating system will be able to run all POE software. Outside of the POE, binary compatibility is typically limited to a particular hardware platform. The POE is an open standard, derived from AIX and conforming to industry open standards including POSIX, XPG4, Motif, etc. The POE specification will be publicly available to anyone wishing to produce either applications or hardware platforms. The PowerOpen Association will provide the necessary conformance testing and POE branding. The key features of the POE are: * Based on the PowerPC architecture * Hardware bus independence * System implementations can range from laptops to supercomputers * Requires a multi-user, multi-tasking operating system * Networking support * X windows extension * Macintosh Application Services extension * Motif * Conformance tested and certified by an independent party (PowerOpen Association) The POE specification is targeted for availability in the first quarter of 1994. The PowerOpen association has some information available online, including membership information; for retrieval instructions, send mail containing the word "help" to library@poweropen.org. NB: PowerOpen is not itself an operating system -- it is only a *standard* for operating systems. The PowerOpen Association consists of IBM, Motorola, Apple, Bull, Thomson-CSF, Harris, TadPole Technology, and others. The PowerOpen specification applies to UNIX-like operating systems. AIX 4.1, available in August, 1994 is PowerOpen-compliant. Apple's System 7 will not be PowerOpen-compliant. For more information contact Gordon Kass (g.kass@poweropen.org) or Chris Adams (c.adams@poweropen.org). [4-3] What is Taligent / Pink? Taligent is a company founded jointly by Apple and IBM in March 1992. HP announced in January, 1994 that it would buy a 15% stake in Taligent. They are working on an "object-oriented operating system", due to be finished sometime in 1995. The first software due to be released by taligent is CommonPoint (previously called the Taligent Application Environment). CommonPoint is "a portable application system consisting of a comprehensive set of reusable object-oriented software frameworks". According to reports, CommonPoint will be available for HP-UX, AIX, OS/2, and later versions of System 7. Pink is an older name for Taligent, dating back to work that Apple did before the formation of Taligent. [4-4] Will NeXTStep be ported to the PowerPC? NeXTStep has been ported to the RS/6000 (POWER architecture), but is not commercially available. According to rumors, NeXTStep has been seen running on PowerPC machines. No official announcement has been made by NeXT as to availability. Sun has announced that it will incorporate OpenStep, a version of NeXTStep, in Solaris. SunSoft has announced that they are porting Solaris to PReP-compliant systems, so OpenStep will presumably be available. The OpenStep API specification is available by ftp <URL:ftp://ftp.next.com/pub/OpenStepSpec>. [4-5] What is WorkplaceOS? Will OS/2 be available on PowerPC-based computers? Workplace is a microkernel-based architecture (based on Mach 3) developed by IBM. Workplace will be used as the foundation for several different operating systems. The first of these will be OS/2 for the PowerPC (see above). Note that some confusion has been caused by the fact that the development name for OS/2-PPC was WorkplaceOS (WPOS) -- this name is no longer used. [4-6] Can IBM-PC / Macintosh software be run on PowerPC-based computers? Several emulators have been announced. Generally, these are intended to run Macintosh or MS-DOS/Windows applications under the various native operating systems. Macintosh Macintosh Application Services (MAS), supported by Apple, allows PowerOpen-compliant OS's to run Mac applications. MAS includes a 68040 emulator and a PowerPC port of the Mac toolbox, so it will run both 68k and PowerPC Mac binaries. MAS has been demonstrated on IBM's PowerPC personal systems. Apple, in cooperation with Sun and HP, has released the Macintosh Application Environment (MAE). MAE allows Mac applications to run under X Windows on Sun SPARCstations and HP 9000 series 700 workstations. MAE emulates a 68LC040, but critical parts of the Toolbox run natively. MAE is similar to MAS, but only runs 68k binaries. For more information, see the MAE WWW site <URL:http://www.mae.apple.com/>. A demo version is available by ftp <URL:ftp://ftp.support.apple.com/pub/mae/product-trial/>. Executor, produced by ARDI, is currently available for NeXTStep and NeXTStep/Intel, and will soon be available for MS-DOS, and Sun and Alpha workstations. Executor emulates a 68040-based monochrome Macintosh running System 6. Version 2.0 is supposed to offer 8-bit color and some System 7 features. ARDI uses reverse-engineered Toolbox code, i.e., it was written from scratch from the interface specs. For this reason, it it easily portable -- expect to see it ported to other platforms (including the PowerPC) in the near future. Power Macintoshes have the built-in capability to run 68k Mac software. The 68k application code will be emulated, but critical parts of the system code have been ported. The emulator emulates a 68LC040 without the FPU. MS-DOS/Windows Wabi, produced by Sun, runs under UNIX/X. It emulates x86 code, and translates Windows calls to X calls. IBM is working on an 80386 translator. Support has been announced for Solaris and AIX. Wabi is based on the public specs for the Windows ABI. (Wabi originally stood for "Windows Application Binary Interface" -- it's spelled "Wabi", not "WABI", for trademark reasons.) This has been demonstrated on IBM's PowerPC personal systems. SoftPC and SoftWindows, produced by Insignia, run under several OS's: Mac OS, Windows NT, NeXTStep, and various other UNIX flavors. It emulates 80286/80287 code and Windows calls. Insignia has licensed the Windows source code from Microsoft. SoftWindows 2.0, which will provide 486 emulation, is expected in early 1995. OS/2 for the PowerPC (which was also known as WorkplaceOS) will run MS-DOS and Windows code via the Instruction Set Translator (IST), an instruction-caching x86 emulator. OS/2-PPC will not directly run OS/2-x86 code. ======================================================================== [5] Comparisons ======================================================================== [5-1] Should I buy a PowerPC system rather than a Pentium or 68k system? Apple is committed to making their Power Macintoshes feel just like the 68k Macs, but faster. It looks like they will eventually switch the entire Mac line over to the PowerPC. If you plan to buy a new Mac, this is probably the way to go. A Pentium system will run existing x86 code faster than a 601 will emulate it. If you need to run x86 code as fast as possible, buy a Pentium box. On the other hand, many x86 applications will probably be ported to the PowerPC. The extent of this porting will likely determine the success of the PowerPC in the personal computer market. In terms of pure performance (whatever that is), it looks like there will be a fairly close race between the PowerPC family and the Intel x86 family. The Intel-HP agreement promises to make things even more interesting. Only the future will tell whose chips and whose systems will be the fastest. [5-2] What will be the differences between the various PowerPC-based personal computers? It looks like there will be two major types of PowerPC-based personal computers (note, this is not counting workstations): the Apple Macintosh line, and PReP-compliant machines. The basic hardware will not be fundamentally different -- the real difference will be in the supported operating systems for each class. It is still unclear whether Apple is going to produce Macs which will conform to the PReP standard, and whether the Mac OS will run on PReP machines. The potential exists for a standard which would allow any PowerPC-based machine to run any PowerPC operating system; whether this will happen remains to be seen. ======================================================================== [6] Miscellaneous ======================================================================== [6-1] What's the deal with Ford and the PowerPC? Ford and Motorola have signed an agreement resulting in a custom PowerPC to be used by Ford as a powertrain controller. Details on this chip are not available. [6-2] What's the deal with 3DO and the PowerPC? 3DO, the video game company, is planning to use the PowerPC 602 in its next generation game machine. An upgrade board, the M2 accelerator, using this new processor, will be avaiable some time in 1995.