OS X Public beta

[MAri]

I'd like to know how much new OS X public beta makes new G4 dual faster or change.
If anybody install new OS X, please report abut it. It would be great to know how ProTools LE works on OS X beta

[Armando]

I don't think PT LE will work on the beta. We have to wait until Digi updates PT LE which according to Apple have been working on this for some time. We'll see. As for dual processor support, I think this is in Digi's corner. For some reason, they seem very hesitant on updating anything which improves their PT( MAC) systems. Maybe they're really Wintel lovers and don't want to see the Mac take a huge lead over the Windows platform. Just look at Alti-vec. We may never benefit from this at all on the PTs platform. Why??? Ask the folks at Digi. Or better yet, maybe a Digi rep will write to this post and explain the companies prospects in regards to Altivec, multi-proc. Macs, OS X, etc., etc......

[bassmac]

Below is an excerpt regarding multithreading and multiprocessing from today’s MacWorld report on OS X. It seems things look good for dual processor users right outta the gate...

-This new OS will also support multiprocessing in ways today's Mac OS just can't. When Mac OS X arrives, today's dual-processor G4s will really come into their own, because Mac OS X supports symmetrical multiprocessing. This means it treats the available processors equally, balancing the load of your system over the whole array.

By virtue of its internal design, Mac OS X is inherently multiprocessor-aware, and all of its functions can run on multiple processors, unlike those of the classic Mac OS. In day-to-day use, multiprocessor machines running Mac OS X should feel snappier than single-processor machines.

Applications specifically written to take advantage of multiprocessing will have complete access to the processors. The OS can assign each individual task these apps undertake to a different processor, balancing the load and using processor power as efficiently as possible.

But even if a Mac OS X program wasn't written with multiprocessing in mind, it will benefit. The operating system can still assign different programs to different processors, meaning that program A can run on one G4 while program B toils away on the other. In addition, programs don't work in a vacuum--they're working in conjunction with the operating system at all times. And since Mac OS X will be multiprocessor-savvy, it will balance all of its own work (like moving windows and scrolling) across processors.

Full story on OSX at: http://macworld.zdnet.com/2000/09/12/xpreview.html



[This message has been edited by bassmac (edited September 13, 2000).]

[bassmac]

If anyone wants to check out the experiences of OSX beta users, there is a new site called what else - MacOSX.com
http://www.macosx.com/forums/index.php