The effort to get the Linux freeware variant of Unix converted to run on the Power Macintosh is continuing, despite the fact that its original student founders have now given up the reins (CI No 2,527). The new co-ordinator of the project is Joseph Brothers (brothers@halcyon.com) and a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ list about the program can be found at http://liber.stanford.edu/pub/linuxppc/linux-ppc-FAQ or http://liber.stanford.edu/linuxppc/linux-ppc-FAQ.html. The project to implement Linux on the Power Macintosh previously stumbled because of a lack of information from Apple Computer Inc concerning the lower level operation of the Power Macintosh hardware. However, Brothers reports some progress on the non-Peripheral Component Interconnect Power Mac implementation, thanks in part to assistance from the company. The first target system for the Big-endian operating system remains Apple’s 601-based NuBus Power Mac. After that, the team will look at Motorola Inc’s 603-based PowerStack machines, and then at RS/6000s. Whether to migrate to the Peripheral Component Interconnect-based Macintoshes is still under consideration. Both Motorola and IBM Corp have donated code for their boot-up firmware to the effort. The big unknown is when the code will be ready. The developers refuse to make themselves hostages to fortune by saying when they expect the work to be completed. People will be able to judge the progress of the work for themselves, as finished software is made available on the Internet.
