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Despite Aging Design, x86 Still in Charge

An anonymous reader writes "The x86 chip architecture is still kicking, almost 30 years after it was first introduced. A News.com article looks into the reasons why we're not likely to see it phased out any time soon, and the history of a well-known instruction set architecture. 'Every time [there is a dramatic new requirement or change in the marketplace], whether it's the invention of the browser or low-cost network computers that were supposed to make PCs go away, the engineers behind x86 find a way to make it adapt to the situation. Is that a problem? Critics say x86 is saddled with the burden of supporting outdated features and software, and that improvements in energy efficiency and software development have been sacrificed to its legacy. And a comedian would say it all depends on what you think about disco.'"

4 of 475 comments (clear)

  1. It's too damn economical to stop by MasterGwaha · · Score: 0, Redundant

    ...using it right now.

  2. Aging? by nurb432 · · Score: 0, Redundant

    The architecture sucked when it was first introduced.

    Just shows you what good marketing can accomplish with garbage.

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    ---- Booth was a patriot ----
  3. Re:Does it matter? by Zo0ok · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Considering your low Slashdot-ID you should know ;)

  4. Re:English is 700 years old by Xabraxas · · Score: 0, Redundant

    I'm a Linux user and I have used Vista and I don't like it. There are definitely some improvements over XP but it is buggier than XP and lacks compatibility with a lot of software and hardware. When Vista stabilizes in a year or two and drivers and software are more abundant it will be a better operating system than XP but I still won't use it over Linux. I haven't seen anything that would make me switch.

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    Time makes more converts than reason