Re: Processor requirements

[George Jenkins]

As an engineer I can see this discussion has missed a major role of 
computers/processors. There is 'new' hardware being manufactured and 
designed now that is very much less powerful than 'old' hardware in the 
form of embedded systems and microcontrollers. Think the OS that runs 
your toaster.

In my opinion a (not nesscery inital) goal of the system would be the 
ability to support a given CPU based on some notion of the required 
capabilities of the CPU rather than its age for a start. The assumption 
that old CPU's do not nessacery have that capability while new ones do 
is incorrect.

GNU/Linux runs on some more powerful microcontrollers but with the 
modularity of the Hurd I think we could do even better (forgive the 
comparasion). As embedded systems become even more prevaliant and 
powerful I think they become a relavant target for the Hurd and 
something to aim for.

That said having the Hurd run on one CPU is far better than the Hurd not 
running on all CPUs.

Just my 2cents.