[daip] Compilers for Linux/Max

[Eric Greisen]

Dan Homan writes:

 > I am getting ready to buy another AIPS machine.  I had planned to get 
 > another linux box, as linux is what I am used to; however, it seems that 
 > all (or most) of the latest gcc compilers used for linux are not 
 > reliable for AIPS.  I know the preferred compiler is 2.95.3, but this 
 > doesn't work well on the new linux systems (redhat 9 and later).  Out of 
 > necessity, I've been using 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 which come with redhat 9 and 
 > enterprise linux respectively.

     3.2.3 appears to be quite reliable, but 2.95.3 still works fine
under RH 9.

 > 
 > Note that I can't just use the binary install, as I need to install some 
 > of my own 'home-brew' tasks.
 > 
 > What is the status of testing the newer gcc compilers (3.4.3, 4.0) for 
 > AIPS?  Are they acceptable?  Has the intel compiler been tested?  I 
 > would really like to stick with linux to keep my system administration 
 > headaches to a minimum, but I could go the mac route if that is really 
 > better.

      The Intel compiler has been re-tested and found to be somewaht
better thatn the gnu (aipsmarks of ~170 vs ~130 for 3.2.3).  Note that
these are both as good as the best G5 Mac tested so far and the Intel
result is rather better.

 > 
 > Maybe the best question for me to ask is... what is NRAO buying and 
 > installing these days?

     We are getting more Macs that we used to but Dell PCs still seem
the machine of choice.  The Intel compiler is not free except perhaps
for local single-user non-profit etc use.  We will be buying one and
distributing Linux in binary using it.  That will take some time to
iron out the legal details.

    We have not tested 3.4.3 which supposedly fixed the bug we found
in 3.4.2 and are allergic to .0 anythings.

Eric Greisen