... and the numbers I have just posted for 3.4 patched were *wrong*, probably obtained with a -O0 built. Sorry. The following are the real ones, *better*: 3.4 --- 10.560u 0.010s 0:10.76 98.2% 0+0k 0+0io 195pf+0w 3.4 patched ----------- 3.180u 0.000s 0:03.21 99.0% 0+0k 0+0io 191pf+0w Yes, 3x speed! :) Paolo.