[Info-vax] [OT] Portable operating systems, was: Re: PowerX Roadmap -

[GreyCloud]

On 09/19/16 08:34, Dirk Munk wrote:
> Bob Koehler wrote:
>> In article <mqMDz.708073$aY4.690738 at fx15.ams1>, Dirk Munk
>> <munk at home.nl> writes:
>>>
>>> To your knowledge, is there any OS that actually uses those four modes
>>> in x86?
>>>
>>> If not, would it be possible to ask Intel to change the design of x86 is
>>> such a way that the separation VMS requires would be achieved? I can
>>> imagine that another OS could benefit from that too.
>>>
>>> Perhaps it's just a fantasy, but a nice one I hope :-)
>>
>> And then in the next port, does VSI ask another vendor to add 4 modes
>> to thier chip, also?
>>
>> If VSI can get the 4 mode needs out of VMS, and can do it now, it
>> makes the future much simpler.
>>
>> I like the 4 modes. I think thiey are good design. But I don't
>> lord over all the architecture designers.
>>
>
> Intel did design the 4-mode setup, they just made an error in the
> design. Instead of correcting the design, they crippled it even more.
>
> I don't know if AMD has the same problem.

An interesting point you just brought up.  AMD right now isn't exactly 
getting rich these days selling their current processors.  Assuming one 
can, approach AMD with this particular question and see what is there.
If AMD did it correctly, this may give AMD some hope of increasing sales 
in this particular arena.