The White Falcon - 28.03.1997, Page 4

TechnoTalk: So, what’s so
cool about Intel’s new MMX chip?
By J02 Brian R. Ellis
[connection opened]
As promised, Intel introduced a new
standard for microprocessors with MMX
technology added to this year’s comput-
ers. First up, the Pentium chip with
MMX. Next up, later this year - Pentium
Pros with MMX. But what’s the hype?
Why should we care?
To start with, Intel has included MMX
with new P-166 and P-200 computers.
Does it really make a difference in perfor-
mance? Well, that depends on what you
do with it and what’s available. MMX
technology is actually 57 new codes inte-
grated into the processor that streamline
graphics, sound and multimedia perfor-
mance. On the whole, tests done by the
major trade magazines show an average
10-percent increase in performance. The
slant to these tests is that this increase is
with software not designed to use MMX
technology. On Intel’s test equipment
using MMX-enhanced software, the per-
formance increase is, in some cases, as
high as 200 percent. Currently, there
aren’t many software titles with MMX
enhancement built into them, but the
technology is new for programmers. As
1997 wanes, software that uses MMX
capabilities will likely increase ... especial-
ly for graphics programs, multimedia and
game titles. Many of the mainstream
companies, like Microsoft, have said they
will not integrate MMX technology within
many of their titles. But, then again,
adding MMX to Word or WordPerfect
doesn’t make good business sense anyway,
so why should they? Graphic-intense pro-
grams such as Photoshop have already
included MMX with their latest releases.
Game companies are also taking the
plunge, and I would expect to see most
titles by the end of the year being com-
pletely MMX enhanced.
Like three-dimensional graphic acceler-
ator boards, MMX is here to stay. Intel
seems committed to the technology, since
they are planning to start including it with
Pentium Pros before the end of the year.
So, is now the time to buy?
I agree with many of the trade maga-
zine editors ... if you’re in the position to
buy a computer now, the new MMX
Pentiums are a good buy (and they are
only a couple hundred more than a regu-
lar Pentium).
If you’re not in the market right now for
a computer ... go ahead and put it off.
The next chip from Intel is scheduled for
a late 1997 release, and it should incorpo-
rate technology such as DVD CDs, MMX
and USB ports - basically, all the up-and-
coming techno-goodies. Till next time ...
surf-hard.
[connection closed]
PPP enabled
Children, matches
are dangerous mix
Fire kills more children than any other
home accident and seriously injures
thousands every year in the United
States. Every 4 minutes a child is so
badly burned that professional help is
Children playing with matches and
lighters are a common cause of home
fires, and the children are often needless
victims, because they don’t know how to
react to a fire. Matches and lighters can
be lethal weapons in the hands of a child
and should be kept out of their reach.
Parents’ support is needed in keeping
children safe from fire and burns. Keep
matches and lighters out of their hands.
Courtesy of NAS Fire Department
puffin news
The inservice, originally scheduled for
March 7 but cancelled due to bad weather,
has been rescheduled for May 19. There will
be no school for children on that day.
Recently, the school office mailed out a
request for information to every student’s family. We are ask-
ing that you let us know if you are returning for school next
year. When you let us know you are returning for the 1997/98
school year, you will get a preregistration packet. Once this
packet is completed and mailed back to the school, your chil-
dren will be officially registered for the next school year.
If you’re interested in running for one of the board positions
within the Parent Teacher Organization, you need to make
your voice known. The positions available will be president,
vice president, secretary, treasurer, activities director and pub-
licity chair. Ideal candidates are people who want to be more
involved with their children’s school. If you’re interested, con-
tact Kim Williams at ext. 5345 or D.J. La’Fon-Bynnom at ext.
3100 by April 4.
Making rank ... Airman 1st Class Shilo Mosley receives a
below-the-zone promotion to senior airman from Col. Carl E. Van
Pelt, 85th Group commander, at the 932nd Air Control Squadron
March 20. (Photo by Chief Master Sgt. Carol Toohey)
The School Advisory Council is looking for people interest-
ed in becoming parent representatives. Call John Allan at ext.
3100 by April 4.
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The White Falcon