PowerPC Platform FAQ

TOPIC

This article includes Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the PowerPC Platform (formerly known as the Common Hardware Reference Platform or CHRP).

Questions in this FAQ:

1. What is the PowerPC Platform (formerly known as the Common Hardware Reference Platform or CHRP)?
2. Will using a computer based on the PowerPC Platform allow me to use more than one OS?
3. When are PowerPC Platform-based computers going to be introduced?

DISCUSSION

1) Question: What is the PowerPC Platform (formerly known as the Common Hardware Reference Platform or CHRP)?

Answer: PowerPC Platform is an open computing architecture, based on the RISC PowerPC microprocessor, and able to run multiple operating systems, including Mac OS, Windows NT, Solaris, and AIX.

2) Question: Will using a computer based on the PowerPC Platform allow me to use more than one OS?

Answer: Yes, a PowerPC Platform-based computer allows users to run the various operating systems by simply re-booting from one OS to another. In this case, the different operating systems are located on different hard drives.

Operating systems and applications that previously didn't run under PowerPC processors will need to be recompiled. No modification will need to be made to Mac OS applications.

3) Question: When are PowerPC Platform-based computers going to be introduced?

Answer: Technology demonstrations have been held this year at Demo96, MacWorld Tokyo, and recently at PC Expo where both the Mac OS and Windows NT 4.0 were shown running on the same system. The three PowerPC Platform alliance companies (Apple, IBM, and Motorola) will continue to show progress through the year at MACWORLD Boston and at Fall Comdex. The beta versions of the operating systems for PowerPC Platform, Mac OS and Windows NT, are expected to be available later this year with systems shipping in the first quarter of next year.

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