Debian for dual-processor systems?

[Austin Godber]

Whether a distribution "supports" a dual processor machine depends on the 
kernel.  If you build your own kernel, then you must choose the SMP option 
and the OS (and applications) will run on both processors.  If you do not 
compile the kernel with the SMP option, everything will simply run on a 
single processor.
	Some programs may not be aware of the SMP capabilities, and some 
may be written to specifically take advantage of the dual processor 
capabilities.  As I recall, when I first got my SMP machine, I had to 
patch top to make it aware of both processors.  That was years ago, and I 
don't think the story is the same.
	Oh, and for kernel compiles (or any compile for that matter) if 
you type:
make bzImage MAKE="make -j2"

This will run two compilers at once so you can take advantage of both of 
your processors.  This is why I have enjoyed 4 minute kernel compiles on 
my dual celeron 400 for years.

Austin



On Thu, May 02, 2002 at 11:38:42AM -0700, Michael F. March wrote:
> I am running it on a dual Athlon and it is great.
> 
> Alan Gore wrote:
> 
> >Has anyone tried running Debian on a dual-processor system? I'm
> >contemplating running it on an Intel DK440LX motherboard.
> >
> >
> >
> >
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-- 
Austin Godber
godber@asu.edu
Rotten Philomathian