[Info-vax] Intel junk...Kernel-memory-leaking Intel processor design flaw forces Linux, Windows redesign

[DaveFroble]

Alan Browne wrote:
> On 2018-01-05 18:01, Pabst Blue Ribbon wrote:
>> Alan Browne <bitbucket at blackhole.com> wrote:
> 
>>> In this case the h/w implementation didn't reflect the design goal.
>>>
>>> This means intel had very poor design review and abysmal testing of
>>> security features.
>>
>> I doubt it. Yes, it's assumption but I think Intel was aware and gave 
>> OK to
>> flawed design because of performance/cost.
> 
> Possible, but I'd discount a deliberate pass.  FDIV was very costly to 
> intel - this could be much more costly if the class action suits start 
> flying due to increased computing costs and so on.
> 

If FDIV is what I remember as the problem in the 386 CPU, then it wasn't so much 
that the problem was costly, it was more that Intel's reaction to the problem 
was costly.  They tried to say the problem affected few users and didn't want to 
replace defective CPUs.  Well, people aren't that stupid.  They saw through 
Intel's attitude.  That's what hurt Intel the most.

Before that, when an error in the VAX 750 FP unit was discovered, DEC came up 
with a fix and implemented it.  DEC field service got a bit busy.  DEC's 
attitude was much different than Intel's, and they were rewarded by customers 
acknowledging their commitment to excellence.

Now I may be an aberration, (actually I most likely am), but I still distrust 
Intel, and use AMD whenever possible.  Not that I feel AMD could stand up to the 
integrity DEC showed int he past, few could.

-- 
David Froble                       Tel: 724-529-0450
Dave Froble Enterprises, Inc.      E-Mail: davef at tsoft-inc.com
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