LWN Weekly Edition
Front pageSecurity
Kernel development
Distributions
Development
Linux in the news
Announcements
->One big page
This page
Previous weekFollowing week
| Weekly edition | Kernel | Security | Distributions | Search |
| Archives | Calendar | Subscribe | Write for LWN | LWN.net FAQ |
Distributions
News and Editorials
Some Thoughts on the Current State of 64-bit Computing
In December last year we set out to write a series of articles evaluating Linux distributions that provide 64-bit editions of their products. We looked at the semi-official Debian Sid port, Fedora Core 3, Gentoo Linux 2004.3, Mandrakelinux 10.1, SUSE LINUX 9.2, and a development version of Ubuntu Linux "Hoary" to see how ready they were for their roles as graphical development workstations. It was an interesting journey to the world of leading edge computing. There is little doubt that the AMD64 3500+ processor we used for testing is an incredibly powerful and fast chip that is capable of completing many tasks a lot faster than any of the current 32-bit processors. And while many of the popular distributions were quick in embracing the new platform, they have done it with different degrees of success. What follows is the summary of our observations.First, let's make one thing clear right from the start: just because you have bought or downloaded a Linux distribution designed for 64-bit processors, it does not mean that it is entirely 64-bit. In fact, the default installs of Fedora, Mandrakelinux, SUSE and Ubuntu are heavy hybrids of 32-bit and 64-bit applications and libraries. Debian provides a "pure" 64-bit system, but it also makes available a 32-bit compatibility layer for installing 32-bit applications. Gentoo is, ultimately, the most customizable of all distributions, so it's natural that one can choose between a pure 64-bit system or a mix of the two - again, through a compatibility layer.
Why is the 32-bit compatibility layer still needed? There are three reasons. Firstly, the current stable version of OpenOffice.org (1.1.x) does not compile on 64-bit processors. With its superior document conversion filters to and from MS Office, OpenOffice.org is an essential application on any workstation. And although it is expected that OpenOffice.org 2.0 will compile on 64-bit platforms, the early betas still do not, or at least, nobody has been able to build one successfully. Secondly, there are several other open source applications that do not work on 64-bit platforms; many of these are multimedia players and proprietary codecs. While these are not considered essential, the fact that they are missing from many distributions has probably contributed to the slow migration of mainstream users to Linux. Finally, there are non-free binary-only applications that many users and developers consider useful to have around: NVIDIA and ATI graphics card drivers, Acrobat Reader, Opera, Real Player, Macromedia Flash Player and perhaps a few other pieces of software. Of these, only NVIDIA and ATI have made an effort to build 64-bit editions of their drivers (the ATI driver is currently in beta testing).
Therefore, the challenge of distributions that provide 64-bit product is two-fold: they not only have to compile the Linux kernel, libraries and open source applications for the new platform (some of which might need modifications in the source code before they compile successfully), they also need to integrate 32-bit software into the system. As we've mentioned already, most distributions solve the latter challenge by providing two sets of libraries and link each application to the appropriate library. This results in substantially increased hard disk and memory requirements - not a big deal on a modern computer, but still a considerable overhead compared to any 32-bit system.
Interestingly, Debian has come up with a different approach. According to their documentation, a second system representing a minimal 32-bit Debian can be installed into a chroot-ed folder, together with all the necessary 32-bit applications. With a few scripts or aliases, the 32-bit subsystem can be integrated transparently into the main 64-bit system. We had great success with this approach. As an example, web developers will find it easy to install Opera and Flash Player into the chroot-ed subsystem and use Opera for viewing Flash-enabled web sites. Another peculiar aspect of Debian is the availability of two 64-bit branches, called "pure64" and "gcc34". The applications in the "gcc34" branch are actually compiled with a current cvs version of GCC, which will eventually become GCC 4.0 and which is said to be able to build better-optimized 64-bit binaries. We tried both branches, but we found the "gcc34" branch too unstable, with frequent crashes of XFree86.
Of the distributions we tested, the current versions of SUSE LINUX and Fedora Core turned out to be the most stable and bug-free products. Especially SUSE was a pleasant surprise in that there is a large number of third party repositories with 64-bit applications for it, and after installing apt-get, it is very easy to install just about any software one might desire. Also, the developers of SUSE have found a way to integrate the Flash plugin with Konqueror through the DCOP communication layer between the browser and the plugin. This option, however, does not work with any of the Gecko-based browsers or Opera. As for Fedora Core, it also turned out to be a very trouble-free distribution. However, we were surprised to see that third-party repositories were not as well-populated with 64-bit applications as those for SUSE. Also, between Fedora's two advanced package managers, we had good success with yum, but were unable to make apt-get work correctly.
We found both Gentoo Linux 2004.3 and the FTP edition of Mandrakelinux 10.1 more buggy than either SUSE or Fedora. This is surprising since, unlike Debian which is officially still beta, both of them were "stable releases". With Gentoo, several applications failed to compile, while Mandrakelinux had an unpolished installer with many obvious errors in it, and we had much trouble setting up sources for keeping the distribution up-to-date. Nevertheless, none of these problems were critical, and once overcome, both Gentoo and Mandrakelinux were solid and perfectly usable products. It is interesting to note that of all the 64-bit distributions on the market (besides the high-end enterprise-level offerings from Red Hat and Novell), MandrakeSoft is the only one that does not provide freely downloadable ISO images; those can be obtained either by joining the €120/year Mandrakeclub or by buying it from Mandrakestore, where it sells for €120 + shipping and handling.
As one would expect, 64-bit Linux live CDs have also started to emerge recently. Ubuntu has done a lot of work to build a fully supported live CD for 64-bit processors which will officially launch with the release of Ubuntu Linux 5.04 "Hoary", expected in April this year (beta versions are already available for download and testing). The developers of Gnoppix have also been working on a Ubuntu-based live CD for 64-bit processors and have produced several beta releases. If you prefer the KDE desktop, then the Knoppix-based KANOTIX project has recently produced a very interesting live CD for 64-bit processors with some bleeding-edge hardware detection modules. There is also Knoppix64, but this project has been dormant since its first official release last June. Interestingly, there are, as yet, no RPM-based live CDs for 64-bit platforms.
Finally, if you are in the market for a new computer, should you get one with a 64-bit processor? And once you have it, should you install a 32-bit or a 64-bit distribution? The answer to the first question is a resounding "yes" - AMD64 is a great processor with a large range of excellent inexpensive motherboards now available for it. As for the second question, the answer is a "maybe", but probably closer to a "no" for most users. Let's be honest about it, the speed difference between a 32-bit and 64-bit operating system is marginal at best, but all of the current 64-bit Linux distributions add a layer of complexity by having to provide compatibility mechanisms for those applications that have not been ported to 64-bit systems. This extra complexity is probably not worth the hassle. That said, there are cases where the 64-bit processor has considerable advantages: on systems with large databases that require enormous amounts of memory, on machines used frequently for encoding huge media files, or those designed for heavy web serving with data compression or other intensive tasks.
And of course, there are those of us who simply can't resist the temptation to be on the bleeding edge of hardware and software development, and who feel that running a 32-bit operating system on a 64-bit processor is just plain silly....
Distribution News
Red Hat Launches Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4
Red Hat has announced global availability of Red Hat Enterprise Linux v.4. ""This release of Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a defining milestone in the evolution of Linux as the backbone of the enterprise," said Paul Cormier, Executive Vice President of Engineering at Red Hat. "Red Hat Enterprise Linux in 2002 marked the entrance of Linux in the enterprise. The second version one year later put us at par with Unix in terms of reliability, and ahead in terms of value. Red Hat Enterprise Linux v.4 has the performance, scalability, security, and application portfolio needed to make Linux the sensible choice for every deployment, from servers connected to client and desktop systems. This methodical delivery of innovation is helping create unprecedented value for the customer.""
Activa Sistemas releases ASLinux Desktop 2.0
Activa Sistemas has announced (click below) a new version of ASLinux Desktop. ASLinux Desktop 2.0 is a Linux distribution aimed at desktop PCs, either workstations, corporate clients or home computers. It is available for 32-bit Intel and AMD CPUs.
Announcing YES Linux 2.1 Final
The YES Linux Release Team has announced the immediate availability of YES Linux 2.1 Final. This release of YES Linux features over 30 changes from Builds 0, 1, and 2. Some of the most significant changes are the ability to manage website virtual hosts from the administration application, ability to have statistics for all websites including virtual hosts and email server from the administration application, ability to purchase domain names from either the introduction or from the administration application, ability to modify the internal firewall from the administration application, and the introduction of a dynamic message bus to yes configuration. Click below for more details.
Xandros V3 Open Circulation Edition
Xandros has announced the version 3 release of the Open Circulation Edition of its Linux desktop operating system (OS). The new release provides Firefox web browsing, Skype Internet calling, and Thunderbird e-mailing. The Xandros Open Circulation Edition is available for download at no charge from the Xandros web site.
TimeSys Announces LSB Certification for Embedded Linux
TimeSys Corporation has announced that its OSDL Carrier Grade Linux (CGL) 2.0 reference distribution for PowerPC has received LSB 1.3 certification.
GSB - A fresh GNOME Distribution for Slackware Linux (GnomeDesktop)
Footnotes introduces GSB, a GNOME distribution for Slackware Linux. "This is the first release and packages are available for GNOME-2.9.91. There is also an iso available to make installation easier." Here is the GSB website.
Debian GNU/Linux
Joerg Jaspert provides some Bits from the DAMs, including the introduction of a new DAM member, IRC-channel, DAM-rules, Emeritus (ex-developer) handling, handling of MiA-maintainers. "For a short summary: DAM is now constantly working, approving people, giving out accounts, simply doing stuff. We are always trying to get better, so expect another "Bits of the DAMs" mail somewhere between now and the end of the World."Here's an update on the Debian Project Leader Elections. Nominations are still open, Helen Faulkner and Martin F. Krafft have agreed to take over the stewardship of the DPL debates, plus schedules and information for prospective candidates.
In RFC: graph of Debian package cycle Martin F. Krafft points to a graph of the life cycle of a Debian package.
Ubuntu Love Day!
It's time for Ubuntu Love Day. "Starting this Thursday, 17th February, Ubuntu Love Day is dedicated to the growth and encouragement of new Ubuntu contributors. Whether it's filing, triaging or fixing bugs, learning how to make packages, becoming a Master of the Universe, or any of the countless things you can do to contribute or get involved, Ubuntu Love Day is for you!"
New Distributions
'Klax' KDE 3.4 Beta 2 Live-CD (KDE.News)
KDE.News introduces the Klax live CD. ""Klax" is an i486 GNU/Linux Live-CD based on Slackware 10.1 with a patched Qt 3.3.4 and a complete KDE 3.4 Beta 2. Additionally it also contains KOffice 1.3.5 and k3b 0.11.20."
Distribution Newsletters
Debian Weekly News
The Debian Weekly News for February 15, 2005 is out. This week you can read about legal professionals in Australia who have developed a new judicial information system based on Free Software and Debian, Chris Halls' preliminary packages for OpenOffice.org 1.9.73 built with Sun's JDK, the Debian-Installer featured in c't magazine, a look at maintainer scripts, the DebConf5 call for papers, understanding udev, and other topics.
Gentoo Weekly Newsletter
The Gentoo Weekly Newsletter for the week of February 14, 2005 is out. This week's topics include the new hardware and software for Gentoo Forums, Gentoo evangelists at various conferences, Gentoo security practices, and more.
Mandrakelinux Community Newsletter #100
The Mandrakelinux Community Newsletter for February 10, 2005 is out. Topics in this issue include the release of Corporate Server 3.0 and Desktop, the start of the Mandrakelinux 10.2 Beta process, a new U.S. partner program, HP and Mandrakelinux, and keeping Mandrakelinux up to date.
Ubuntu Traffic #21
Ubuntu Traffic #21 looks at IRC and mailing list activity through January 14, 2005. Topics include Handling Metapackages, Installing From Live CDs, Supporting Autorun, Experimental Hoary Live CD, ISDN Support, Interactive Upgrade Hooks, Community Council Meeting, Documentation Team Happenings, and Ubuntu Security Notifications.
Ubuntu Traffic #22
Ubuntu Traffic #22 covers IRC and mailing list activity through January 21, 2005. Topics in this issue include Python Minimal Test Suite, Live CD Update, Yelp and Documentation Target Formats, Rsyncable Live CDs, Live CD Autoconfiguration, OpenOffice 2.0, New Planet Ubuntu, Ubuntu Website Look and Feel Contest, Array CD 3, Documentation Team Happenings, and Ubuntu Security Notifications.
Package updates
Fedora Core updates
Fedora Core 3 updates: openoffice.org (bug fixes), kernel (updates to 2.6.10-ac12 with some backported fixes).Fedora Core 2 updates: kernel (updates to 2.6.10-ac12 with some backported fixes).
Mandrakelinux update to drakxtools
Mandrakelinux has updated drakxtools packages available that fix several bugs.
Trustix Secure Linux bugfix advisory
Trustix has fixed various bugs in cyrus-imapd, fcron, hwdata, kernel, tftp-hpa.
Miscellaneous Articles
Feather Linux for Firewalls (O'ReillyNet)
O'Reilly's LinuxDevCenter shows how to use Feather Linux as a firewall. "Feather Linux makes it easy to create and configure a firewall. When would you do this? Consider setting up an ad hoc network for a LAN party or a trade show, where you want a good connection to the internet but don't want to expose everything on the local network to the world at large. Having a customizable, bootable LiveCD makes it easy to turn any single machine into the firewall."
OpenVistA VivA FOIA Gold 0.2 Available (LinuxMedNews)
LinuxMedNews takes a look at OpenVistA VivA FOIA Gold, a Knoppix 3.7 based live CD with OpenVistA.
Desktop FreeBSD Part 8: Updating the Core System (OfB.biz)
Open for Business covers the process of keeping a FreeBSD system up-to-date. "One of the major selling points with FreeBSD is security. How silly it would be if we didn't do the minimum necessary to insure it stays secure."
GNU-Darwin: Real deja vu
Michael L. Love Ph.D has an autobiographical account of the origins of GNU-Darwin. "Predictably, the work of the GNU-Darwin project has attracted the attention of many scientists at universites and pharmacutical companies around the world, so that our usership is small but extremely helpful and influential. In addition, we also got some early assistance from Apple, and they provided software updates, as well as a connection to some first year funding. As a result, we were able to obtain a G4 computer for development purposes, and I made the trip to Apple's World Wide Developer's conference in 2001, where I learned all about the inner workings of Apple computers."
Distribution reviews
One week with Gentoo Linux (LinuxTimes.net)
LinuxTimes reviews Gentoo Linux. "Gentoo is a one-of-a-kind distribution, simple yet powerful. The only drawback is that it can take very long to compile software (I would love to test Gentoo on a AMD64), but the results made me forget that."
My workstation OS: Mandrakelinux (NewsForge)
NewsForge has an article written by a Mandrakelinux fan. "For ease of use, Mandrake can't [be] beat. The Mandrake Control Center is cleanly laid out and is probably the most intuitive on the market. Setting up one's box is a snap. Mandrake's hardware recognition is simply superb. And I have never had Mandrake choke on my machines. It has always recognized and set up my hardware with little input needed from me. Mandrakelinux just keeps getting better with every release."
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4: an overview (NewsForge)
NewsForge takes Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 for a test drive. "Red Hat's main advantage over its competition is its diversity. Red Hat Enterprise Linux comes in four varieties: Advanced Server, Enterprise Server, Workstation, and Desktop. Each is customized for specialized purposes, but all are based on the same core. This ensures that customers have a variety of tools for a variety of tasks, rather than try to make one software solution fit all uses and machines."
Page editor: Rebecca Sobol
Next page: Development>>