>  I am at school taking a linux/unix class and so far I am really
quote:

> interested. I also have been interested in unix computers like sun's, SGI'
s
> and RS/6000's. Up until recently, I have never had occasion to use one or
> justify purchasing one. I want to see what the members of this group
> suggest for a good computer to learn on. Specs like speed are not of great
> importance because I will be using this machine for learning and not to
> render the next Toy Story. I have about 150 bucks to spend on it. Also, I
> wanted to get specific opinions on four certain computer models, IBM
> RS/6000, Apple Network Server 700, Sun Sparc 5, and SGI O2. In addition to
> hardware, what OS's do you recommend for these machines?


My advice is, for a good introduction to workstations, get a cheap Sun.  As
the previous poster mentioned, you can get an Ultra 5 for very cheap...if yo
u
want to putz with the hardware, a Sparc 20, Ultra 1, or Ultra 2 is good too.

Why a Sun?  Here's a short list of reasons, but I think they're convincing:
1) Easiest to download and install the media.  Standard iso's can be
downloaded for free and there aren't any annoying restrictions.
Other companies charge an arm and a leg or give you a restricted or crippled
license.  Sun's is enough for anything you'll need to learn on, and there's
nothing special you have to do to get upgrades.

2) Most information available of non-Linux UNIX versions.  HP/UX, IRIX, Digi
tal
UNIX, AIX, all have some titles but Sun has several high quality texts both
from Sun publishing and independent titles.  And their online documentation
is not shabby at all either.

3) Best third party software support.  You'll find nearly every company out
there supports Solaris if they're going to support any commercial UNIX.
All the useful GNU packages and compilers, as well as everything you can
build from them, are available on www.sunfreeware.com (similar sites exist
for other operating systems, but they're not as easy to access)

By far the best thing to learn on and use in your day-to-day work is Linux,
but if you want to explore a different platform and understand the kinds of
things that vary UNIX-to-UNIX, Sun is the easiest choice at this point.

[ Post a follow-up to this message ]

<alcesteatxmissiondot@com.or.net> wrote in message
news:bj443g$6vq$1@terabinaries.xmission.com...
quote:
 
SGI's[QUOTE] 
or[QUOTE] 
great[QUOTE] 
I[QUOTE] 
to[QUOTE] 
>
> My advice is, for a good introduction to workstations, get a cheap Sun.

As
quote:

> the previous poster mentioned, you can get an Ultra 5 for very cheap...if

you
quote:

> want to putz with the hardware, a Sparc 20, Ultra 1, or Ultra 2 is good

too.
quote:

>
> Why a Sun?  Here's a short list of reasons, but I think they're

convincing:
quote:

> 1) Easiest to download and install the media.  Standard iso's can be
> downloaded for free and there aren't any annoying restrictions.
> Other companies charge an arm and a leg or give you a restricted or

crippled
quote:

> license.  Sun's is enough for anything you'll need to learn on, and

there's
quote:

> nothing special you have to do to get upgrades.


Agree
quote:

>
> 2) Most information available of non-Linux UNIX versions.  HP/UX, IRIX,

Digital
quote:

> UNIX, AIX, all have some titles but Sun has several high quality texts

both
quote:

> from Sun publishing and independent titles.  And their online

documentation
quote:

> is not shabby at all either.


Agree
quote:

>
> 3) Best third party software support.  You'll find nearly every company

out
quote:

> there supports Solaris if they're going to support any commercial UNIX.
> All the useful GNU packages and compilers, as well as everything you can
> build from them, are available on www.sunfreeware.com (similar sites exist
> for other operating systems, but they're not as easy to access)


Bullshit! Also for HP-UX, AIX and SGI Irix lots of binaries are available
for free. Next to that: if you wanna learn some Unix, I'd say compiling
software is one of the things to learn, too. So, just install binaries for
GCC, GNU make and perhaps binutils and rest of the software: compile for
yourself!
quote:

>
> By far the best thing to learn on and use in your day-to-day work is

Linux,
quote:

> but if you want to explore a different platform and understand the kinds

of
quote:

> things that vary UNIX-to-UNIX, Sun is the easiest choice at this point.


Agree. If you just want to learn Unix, you can do that with Linux, too (runs
at the same box as your Wind0w$ does). I'd say: only buy a "real Unix
machine" if you just want to or need to have one: otherwise just run Linux.

If you do want to buy a Unix-box I'd recommend Sun, too (also lower than
Ultra's will work: Solaris runs up to version 9 on Sparcstations, too -even
SparcClassics- as long as you have minimum of 64Mb of RAM). Because Sun is
the easiest to get (in most places).....and Sun is the nicest hardware
(please no flames, it's just my personal opinion;-)

[ Post a follow-up to this message ]

<alcesteatxmissiondot@com.or.net> wrote in message
news:bj443g$6vq$1@terabinaries.xmission.com...
quote:
 
SGI's[QUOTE] 
or[QUOTE] 
great[QUOTE] 
I[QUOTE] 
to[QUOTE] 
>
> My advice is, for a good introduction to workstations, get a cheap Sun.

As
quote:

> the previous poster mentioned, you can get an Ultra 5 for very cheap...if

you
quote:

> want to putz with the hardware, a Sparc 20, Ultra 1, or Ultra 2 is good

too.
quote:

>
> Why a Sun?  Here's a short list of reasons, but I think they're

convincing:
quote:

> 1) Easiest to download and install the media.  Standard iso's can be
> downloaded for free and there aren't any annoying restrictions.
> Other companies charge an arm and a leg or give you a restricted or

crippled
quote:

> license.  Sun's is enough for anything you'll need to learn on, and

there's
quote:

> nothing special you have to do to get upgrades.


Agree
quote:

>
> 2) Most information available of non-Linux UNIX versions.  HP/UX, IRIX,

Digital
quote:

> UNIX, AIX, all have some titles but Sun has several high quality texts

both
quote:

> from Sun publishing and independent titles.  And their online

documentation
quote:

> is not shabby at all either.


Agree
quote:

>
> 3) Best third party software support.  You'll find nearly every company

out
quote:

> there supports Solaris if they're going to support any commercial UNIX.
> All the useful GNU packages and compilers, as well as everything you can
> build from them, are available on www.sunfreeware.com (similar sites exist
> for other operating systems, but they're not as easy to access)


Bullshit! Also for HP-UX, AIX and SGI Irix lots of binaries are available
for free. Next to that: if you wanna learn some Unix, I'd say compiling
software is one of the things to learn, too. So, just install binaries for
GCC, GNU make and perhaps binutils and rest of the software: compile for
yourself!
quote:

>
> By far the best thing to learn on and use in your day-to-day work is

Linux,
quote:

> but if you want to explore a different platform and understand the kinds

of
quote:

> things that vary UNIX-to-UNIX, Sun is the easiest choice at this point.


Agree. If you just want to learn Unix, you can do that with Linux, too (runs
at the same box as your Wind0w$ does). I'd say: only buy a "real Unix
machine" if you just want to or need to have one: otherwise just run Linux.

If you do want to buy a Unix-box I'd recommend Sun, too (also lower than
Ultra's will work: Solaris runs up to version 9 on Sparcstations, too -even
SparcClassics- as long as you have minimum of 64Mb of RAM). Because Sun is
the easiest to get (in most places).....and Sun is the nicest hardware
(please no flames, it's just my personal opinion;-)

[ Post a follow-up to this message ]

> computers I listed like the SGI O2, RS6000 and the ANS 700?

RS6000 is a general class of machine...they range from extremely capable
to doorstops.  An apple network server goes for more than you really should
pay because they've got some collector value.  An O2 is a nice intro
workstation, but more then you probably want to pay just for a play machine.
If you want to run the factory operating system, it's a pain obtaining
media or updates.

Jer

[ Post a follow-up to this message ]

> computers I listed like the SGI O2, RS6000 and the ANS 700?

RS6000 is a general class of machine...they range from extremely capable
to doorstops.  An apple network server goes for more than you really should
pay because they've got some collector value.  An O2 is a nice intro
workstation, but more then you probably want to pay just for a play machine.
If you want to run the factory operating system, it's a pain obtaining
media or updates.

Jer

[ Post a follow-up to this message ]

>  I am at school taking a linux/unix class and so far I am really
quote:

> interested. I also have been interested in unix computers like sun's, SGI'
s
> and RS/6000's. Up until recently, I have never had occasion to use one or
> justify purchasing one. I want to see what the members of this group
> suggest for a good computer to learn on. Specs like speed are not of great
> importance because I will be using this machine for learning and not to
> render the next Toy Story. I have about 150 bucks to spend on it. Also, I
> wanted to get specific opinions on four certain computer models, IBM
> RS/6000, Apple Network Server 700, Sun Sparc 5, and SGI O2. In addition to
> hardware, what OS's do you recommend for these machines?


My advice is, for a good introduction to workstations, get a cheap Sun.  As
the previous poster mentioned, you can get an Ultra 5 for very cheap...if yo
u
want to putz with the hardware, a Sparc 20, Ultra 1, or Ultra 2 is good too.

Why a Sun?  Here's a short list of reasons, but I think they're convincing:
1) Easiest to download and install the media.  Standard iso's can be
downloaded for free and there aren't any annoying restrictions.
Other companies charge an arm and a leg or give you a restricted or crippled
license.  Sun's is enough for anything you'll need to learn on, and there's
nothing special you have to do to get upgrades.

2) Most information available of non-Linux UNIX versions.  HP/UX, IRIX, Digi
tal
UNIX, AIX, all have some titles but Sun has several high quality texts both
from Sun publishing and independent titles.  And their online documentation
is not shabby at all either.

3) Best third party software support.  You'll find nearly every company out
there supports Solaris if they're going to support any commercial UNIX.
All the useful GNU packages and compilers, as well as everything you can
build from them, are available on www.sunfreeware.com (similar sites exist
for other operating systems, but they're not as easy to access)

By far the best thing to learn on and use in your day-to-day work is Linux,
but if you want to explore a different platform and understand the kinds of
things that vary UNIX-to-UNIX, Sun is the easiest choice at this point.

[ Post a follow-up to this message ]

<alcesteatxmissiondot@com.or.net> wrote in message
news:bj443g$6vq$1@terabinaries.xmission.com...
quote:
 
SGI's[QUOTE] 
or[QUOTE] 
great[QUOTE] 
I[QUOTE] 
to[QUOTE] 
>
> My advice is, for a good introduction to workstations, get a cheap Sun.

As
quote:

> the previous poster mentioned, you can get an Ultra 5 for very cheap...if

you
quote:

> want to putz with the hardware, a Sparc 20, Ultra 1, or Ultra 2 is good

too.
quote:

>
> Why a Sun?  Here's a short list of reasons, but I think they're

convincing:
quote:

> 1) Easiest to download and install the media.  Standard iso's can be
> downloaded for free and there aren't any annoying restrictions.
> Other companies charge an arm and a leg or give you a restricted or

crippled
quote:

> license.  Sun's is enough for anything you'll need to learn on, and

there's
quote:

> nothing special you have to do to get upgrades.


Agree
quote:

>
> 2) Most information available of non-Linux UNIX versions.  HP/UX, IRIX,

Digital
quote:

> UNIX, AIX, all have some titles but Sun has several high quality texts

both
quote:

> from Sun publishing and independent titles.  And their online

documentation
quote:

> is not shabby at all either.


Agree
quote:

>
> 3) Best third party software support.  You'll find nearly every company

out
quote:

> there supports Solaris if they're going to support any commercial UNIX.
> All the useful GNU packages and compilers, as well as everything you can
> build from them, are available on www.sunfreeware.com (similar sites exist
> for other operating systems, but they're not as easy to access)


Bullshit! Also for HP-UX, AIX and SGI Irix lots of binaries are available
for free. Next to that: if you wanna learn some Unix, I'd say compiling
software is one of the things to learn, too. So, just install binaries for
GCC, GNU make and perhaps binutils and rest of the software: compile for
yourself!
quote:

>
> By far the best thing to learn on and use in your day-to-day work is

Linux,
quote:

> but if you want to explore a different platform and understand the kinds

of
quote:

> things that vary UNIX-to-UNIX, Sun is the easiest choice at this point.


Agree. If you just want to learn Unix, you can do that with Linux, too (runs
at the same box as your Wind0w$ does). I'd say: only buy a "real Unix
machine" if you just want to or need to have one: otherwise just run Linux.

If you do want to buy a Unix-box I'd recommend Sun, too (also lower than
Ultra's will work: Solaris runs up to version 9 on Sparcstations, too -even
SparcClassics- as long as you have minimum of 64Mb of RAM). Because Sun is
the easiest to get (in most places).....and Sun is the nicest hardware
(please no flames, it's just my personal opinion;-)

[ Post a follow-up to this message ]

> computers I listed like the SGI O2, RS6000 and the ANS 700?

RS6000 is a general class of machine...they range from extremely capable
to doorstops.  An apple network server goes for more than you really should
pay because they've got some collector value.  An O2 is a nice intro
workstation, but more then you probably want to pay just for a play machine.
If you want to run the factory operating system, it's a pain obtaining
media or updates.

Jer

[ Post a follow-up to this message ]

>  I am at school taking a linux/unix class and so far I am really
quote:

> interested. I also have been interested in unix computers like sun's, SGI'
s
> and RS/6000's. Up until recently, I have never had occasion to use one or
> justify purchasing one. I want to see what the members of this group
> suggest for a good computer to learn on. Specs like speed are not of great
> importance because I will be using this machine for learning and not to
> render the next Toy Story. I have about 150 bucks to spend on it. Also, I
> wanted to get specific opinions on four certain computer models, IBM
> RS/6000, Apple Network Server 700, Sun Sparc 5, and SGI O2. In addition to
> hardware, what OS's do you recommend for these machines?


My advice is, for a good introduction to workstations, get a cheap Sun.  As
the previous poster mentioned, you can get an Ultra 5 for very cheap...if yo
u
want to putz with the hardware, a Sparc 20, Ultra 1, or Ultra 2 is good too.

Why a Sun?  Here's a short list of reasons, but I think they're convincing:
1) Easiest to download and install the media.  Standard iso's can be
downloaded for free and there aren't any annoying restrictions.
Other companies charge an arm and a leg or give you a restricted or crippled
license.  Sun's is enough for anything you'll need to learn on, and there's
nothing special you have to do to get upgrades.

2) Most information available of non-Linux UNIX versions.  HP/UX, IRIX, Digi
tal
UNIX, AIX, all have some titles but Sun has several high quality texts both
from Sun publishing and independent titles.  And their online documentation
is not shabby at all either.

3) Best third party software support.  You'll find nearly every company out
there supports Solaris if they're going to support any commercial UNIX.
All the useful GNU packages and compilers, as well as everything you can
build from them, are available on www.sunfreeware.com (similar sites exist
for other operating systems, but they're not as easy to access)

By far the best thing to learn on and use in your day-to-day work is Linux,
but if you want to explore a different platform and understand the kinds of
things that vary UNIX-to-UNIX, Sun is the easiest choice at this point.

[ Post a follow-up to this message ]

<alcesteatxmissiondot@com.or.net> wrote in message
news:bj443g$6vq$1@terabinaries.xmission.com...
quote:
 
SGI's[QUOTE] 
or[QUOTE] 
great[QUOTE] 
I[QUOTE] 
to[QUOTE] 
>
> My advice is, for a good introduction to workstations, get a cheap Sun.

As
quote:

> the previous poster mentioned, you can get an Ultra 5 for very cheap...if

you
quote:

> want to putz with the hardware, a Sparc 20, Ultra 1, or Ultra 2 is good

too.
quote:

>
> Why a Sun?  Here's a short list of reasons, but I think they're

convincing:
quote:

> 1) Easiest to download and install the media.  Standard iso's can be
> downloaded for free and there aren't any annoying restrictions.
> Other companies charge an arm and a leg or give you a restricted or

crippled
quote:

> license.  Sun's is enough for anything you'll need to learn on, and

there's
quote:

> nothing special you have to do to get upgrades.


Agree
quote:

>
> 2) Most information available of non-Linux UNIX versions.  HP/UX, IRIX,

Digital
quote:

> UNIX, AIX, all have some titles but Sun has several high quality texts

both
quote:

> from Sun publishing and independent titles.  And their online

documentation
quote:

> is not shabby at all either.


Agree
quote:

>
> 3) Best third party software support.  You'll find nearly every company

out
quote:

> there supports Solaris if they're going to support any commercial UNIX.
> All the useful GNU packages and compilers, as well as everything you can
> build from them, are available on www.sunfreeware.com (similar sites exist
> for other operating systems, but they're not as easy to access)


Bullshit! Also for HP-UX, AIX and SGI Irix lots of binaries are available
for free. Next to that: if you wanna learn some Unix, I'd say compiling
software is one of the things to learn, too. So, just install binaries for
GCC, GNU make and perhaps binutils and rest of the software: compile for
yourself!
quote:

>
> By far the best thing to learn on and use in your day-to-day work is

Linux,
quote:

> but if you want to explore a different platform and understand the kinds

of
quote:

> things that vary UNIX-to-UNIX, Sun is the easiest choice at this point.


Agree. If you just want to learn Unix, you can do that with Linux, too (runs
at the same box as your Wind0w$ does). I'd say: only buy a "real Unix
machine" if you just want to or need to have one: otherwise just run Linux.

If you do want to buy a Unix-box I'd recommend Sun, too (also lower than
Ultra's will work: Solaris runs up to version 9 on Sparcstations, too -even
SparcClassics- as long as you have minimum of 64Mb of RAM). Because Sun is
the easiest to get (in most places).....and Sun is the nicest hardware
(please no flames, it's just my personal opinion;-)

[ Post a follow-up to this message ]