Reliable sources close to Intel's plans say that the company has produced first silicon samples of the processor in its fabrication plants. Intel has struggled to produce working silicon for some time, with various stops and starts, as reported here previously on numerous occasions. But while the news may be good for Intel, Microsoft is already gnashing its teeth. Because the Linux operating system is already running on the silicon while Microsoft's Win64 software won't. Microsoft Redmond has drafted in armies of developers in an attempt to sort out the embarrassing fact, the sources said. Intel has always said it is software agnostic, but actually will use any grist to make its chip mill run the faster. ® See also: HP forced to clarify Merced status Intel invites Linux developers to spend $200 million Intel's IA programme threatened by IMS patent Leaked Compaq Q&A shows level of Alpha chaos Pfeiffer positions Alpha against Merced Microsoft puts boot into 64-bit Alpha Compaq Alpha cuts pull rug from Microsoft's 64-bit NT