[bananas] gcc 2.95

[Hugh D. Aller]

Dear Pat:

Re: I'd still like to see someone try gcc 2.95 and its companion g77 on AIPS.

     SuSE ver 6.4 is packaged with gcc (and g77) 2.95.2.  I used that to
build AIPS (1999DEC31 cir July 2000) on a laptop several months ago.  I have
not done any formal testing, but have used it fairly heavily to self-cal
VLB data and make polarization maps (so programs like IMAGR & CALIB have
been exercised quite a bit and graphics programs e.g. PCNTR, UVPLT etc
have seen a lot of use).
 1.  The system has proven to be very stable with no obvious errors.
 2.  Comparisons of maps made on our Ultra 1 to the INTEL machine show 
     no unexpected differences.
 3.  Graphics and FITS files transfer and reproduce accurately between the
     two systems.
 4.  The subjective impression is that the laptop is delivering approximately
     the predicted speed-up (factor of 2 - 3) relative to the Ultra 1.
The build of AIPS under gcc/g77 2.95.2 was quite smooth: it didn't
require any tweaks beyond some of the suggestions you included in the 
installation instructions for non-RedHat systems.
      I know that MPIfR-Bonn uses SuSE on some of their systems, and they 
may have tested this version more extensively.

Sincerely,
hugh

Hugh D. Aller
University of Michigan
Department of Astronomy