Temp (Armand.Hirt@caramail.com) on 11/29/05 wrote:
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>I am not sure nobody does, but imagining it is true, why do you think it is so?

Human nature, which isn't always a pretty thing.

>
>As for myself, this is the very first time I ask such a question, and I believe
>it is warranted by the benchmark set and the context.

I believe David stated that both Cinebench and POV Ray were easily obtained from their respective vendors via a download.

As for SPEC benchmarks, to the best of my knowledge one must have a license from SPEC in order to obtain/run them - though both AMD and Intel may gladly (or even eagerly) provide their binaries for you to run if you request them (and provide your license info). IOW, such binaries cannot be supplied without first verifying that you have a license.

The other two benchmarks would appear to have been provided by Intel, with SunGard's approval.

Sometimes, benchmarks/applications are extremely difficult to obtain without them being provided by the hardware manufacturer (who has some 'pull' with the software vendor). Some software might be desirable but getting a license for them can be costly (or perhaps even impossible) - even with a hardware manufacturer's assistance. When one is running on a shoestring budget, it makes sense to accept assistance whenever possible (as long as there is nothing tied to the other end of the shoestring!)

In the past, I have asked for assistance with obtaining software through both AMD and Intel - with varying degrees of success.

>Currently, and given the information provided by David,
>I feel much more at ease with the former approach.

This is a good thing, so I am glad you asked...

Regards,
Dean

>
>- Armand