Resurecting a P-100

[OilPatch197]

I got a OLD Pentium 100mhz Duel processor PC with 48mb ram

now I want to run a FTP and browse the Web on it.

now I want to maximize the 2nd processor.

so what version of NT do I need?(NT server has built in ftp)

and can you mention any programs that would run on a old PC like this and utilize the second processor?

[Vernon Frazee]

Dual processor multiprocessing under Windows (and Linux) is thread-based. Each application creates one or more threads that are normally used by the operating system for multitasking purposes. In a multiprocessing system, these threads can be divided up between the processors to balance the load on the CPUs. It’s not perfect, because not all threads require the same amount of CPU time, but a good operating system will partition the threads so that the CPUs have more or less equal loads.

Software makes use of symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) to varying degrees. Many consumer programs will only use one thread, applying all their work to one processor -- so you could end up with processor A doing all the work, while processor B sits idle. Some software can make use of multiple processors, but these are generally only high-end applications such as industrial design, databases and transaction crunching programs.

[OilPatch197]

.....can't....delete....this post.

anyhow when you quoted...

but a good operating system will partition the threads so that the CPUs have more or less equal loads.

What is a good operating system?

[Vernon Frazee]

Windows 2000 Professional supports two processors, Windows 2000 Server up to four.

Come to think of it though, I think they require at least a 133 MHz or higher Pentium-compatible CPU.

NT will run on it but it's a bit dated.

[OilPatch197]

agreed NT is dated, and 2000 requires a Pentium(which this isn't)

[DELTREE]

OilPatch197, The thing is to old/dated, but keep it for in a few years it maybe worth a few bucks/$?

Take Care

[DrMDJ]

You might be able find a Linux distribution that will fly on tht old hardware (since Linux provides multi-processor support).

[OilPatch197]

umm, I'm not sure how to use these EISA slots, if I were to use some EISA cards in this machine, do I need to set them up?