[kwlug disc.] how about a "how to buy a linux computer" writeup somewhere?

[Andrew Kohlsmith]

On Friday 30 November 2007 10:35:56 Robert P. J. Day wrote:
> sorry, i'm not talking about just vmware, i'm talking about xen,
> which definitely won't run on a simple 32-bit CPU.

Xen runs *just fine* on a simple 32-bit CPU.  I've run it for YEARS on regular 
old P4 CPUs.

I think what you're talking about is being able to run virtual systems without 
having them patched to cooperatively multitask with other virtual systems...  
the 'vmx' CPU extensions on Intel, for example.

> not so much "ultimate" as just, "what to look for so you don't
> ultimately regret your purchase when you find out you overlooked some
> subtle but crucial detail."

I think you're asking something that's pretty specific to your own needs; I 
know that I certainly don't need the vmx feature, or PAE for that matter, on 
the *vast majority* of my Linux installs.  You're definitely looking for a 
buying guide for more demanding users, and a specific subset of demanding 
user at that.

-A.