Just one question; how difficult is it for a newbie to use programmes for intel CPUs in LinuxPPC?

Does it require a lot of messing around in the source code or is it just a simple matter of running it through another utility to compile(?) it for a powerpc?

I've already bought the distribution and I'm just waiting for it to be delivered so it's too late now to go out and get a cheap pentium and Corel ;-(

Thanks in advance
Jason

Most programs should compile without incident.

Cool... how? Can you give me an example?

Suppose I have my copy of QuakeXVI (for x86). Do I just run it with a single command or script or is there more to it than that.

Remember; be specific and use li'l words. I'm coming from a Macintosh after all. ;-)

Thanks again
Jason

You would need the SOURCE to be able to do this. Source code is usually not machine code specific. So if you download the source to progam x and compile it on a PPC it will work fine even if the author wrote it on an x86. If on the other hand you downloaded a binary, there is no way to convert it to PPC if it is an x86 binary. I hope this clears things up. If you have any other questions let us know.

Thankyou, you've been extremely patient with me. You'd make an excellent role-model for my girlfriend. ;-)

One more question. This being Linux, I'm thinking I'll ALWAYS be able to get the source code even when I buy a shrinkwrapped binary for intel right? So in addition to the useless intel binary code, there HAS to be the original, platform independent source code in the box as well? Or aren't application developers obliged to provide it like they would be if they were modifying the kernel?

Many thanks and I promise not to darken your doorstep with my stupid newbie nonsense again... soon.

Jason

Many commercial (and non-commercial) programs ship binary only.