| I don't think Windows 98 can deal with multiple processors, though I could
be wrong (check it out further); but I know that Windows NT can. In that
case, IF AND ONLY IF the software is written to take advantage of it by
being properly multi-threaded, one thread or one process can run on one
processor while another thread or another process runs on the other
processor. Linux also is capable of this.
Certainly csound (which is a process) could run on one processor while
another program (such as Cubase) runs on another processor. But sometimes
such programs are forced to share a single resource, such as a sound card,
taking turns in such a way that they might as well be running on a single
processor.
As for building a computer, you need to decide what you are more interested
in, building computers or making music. If you are much more interested in
music than in computers, buy the computer and make the music.
For most musical purposes you are going to be limited more by memory, bus
speed, and disk speed than by the question of one or several processors. Get
the most RAM you can (I have 128 megabytes, and I could easily use more) and
the fastest hard disk you can. Today's EIDE disks have proved quite
sufficient for me, but I understand that recording studios prefer fast SCSI
disks.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-csound-outgoing@maths.ex.ac.uk
[mailto:owner-csound-outgoing@maths.ex.ac.uk]On Behalf Of Rob Howiler
Sent: Monday, October 04, 1999 7:53 AM
To: csound@maths.ex.ac.uk
Subject: OT: computer advice
Hi list,
I am almost ready to get a new computer. There are a few different ways for
me to go, though, and I thought you all might be able to give me some
advice. I currently have a 333 Mhz Pentium II. My first inclination is to
think about a new G4. But I have been on the PC platform for so long (since
1988), I am not sure I want the hassle of "upgrading" all my software to Mac
versions (not to mention the expense).
So, my question for YOU people is this....Do any of you have experience
running a machine with "multiple" processors? I have heard of such a thing,
but I know nothing about how it might work. Can Win98 use two processors?
Or will I have to think about a different operating system? What does one
have to do to install Windows on a "clean" hard drive? (I am thinking of
possible just buying parts and assembling them myself). Any advice on where
to research this subject? I use Logic Audio, as well as CSound, and I was
hoping that by having a completely separate processor I could use one for
the OS and the other for the "music" stuff I do. Am I crazy? Is this
possible? If someone could just point me in the right direction (or turn me
away from the WRONG one) I would appreciate it.
Thanks
Rob Howiler
(btw, there are a couple of CSound pieces I have done at my website
http://www.audientmusic.com/Works/RacialDivide.htm
and http://www.audientmusic.com/Works/Singularity.htm |