Very Computer

I am looking for a LINUX distribution that is designed for
the SUN SparcStation20 (or similar) computers.

Any help in guding me to a source would be most appreciated.

I am interested in stand alone workstation applications.  Also, I
am looking for a good source for inexpensive applications,
drivers, etc. for the Sparc systems.

Cordially,
Gil Groehn
(313) 884-1139

redhat (www.redhat.com) definitely has a sparc version and there should be
some other distros. Not sure if cheapbytes or similar places carry those
cheap but legal copies of the sparc version. One problem you might have
with linux on sparc is that it's often difficult/impossible to get sparc
versions of linux software which is only available in binary form.

                                                    Gerald  

--

  >> I am looking for a LINUX distribution that is designed for
  >> the SUN SparcStation20 (or similar) computers.

I would start with Debian (www.debian.org).  I think they're further
ahead than most when it comes to major Linux distros on non-Intel
platforms.

Plus, their package updating methodology is incredibly reliable and
simple: on a platform like this that's important because you'll probably
want to do a lot of updates.

As Gerald pointed out, though, you'll likely have to satisfy yourself
with Open Source products on SPARC Linux for the forseeable future--I
don't see too many proprietary apps being rushed out for this platform.

--
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 "Please remain calm...I may be mad, but I am a professional." --Mad Scientist
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   These are my opinions---Nortel Networks takes no responsibility for them.

Quote:> I am looking for a LINUX distribution that is designed for
> the SUN SparcStation20 (or similar) computers.

> Any help in guding me to a source would be most appreciated.

> I am interested in stand alone workstation applications.  Also, I
> am looking for a good source for inexpensive applications,
> drivers, etc. for the Sparc systems.

I use RH 6.0 on my Sparcstation5. It is very stable and I am pretty
impressed with the speed of the machine (considering that it is only a
85Mhz, 64 MB machine). I ordered RH 6.0 Sparc from Cheapbytes and
including S&H, I paid $10. Quite a deal.

As was mentioned, Debian is also available for Sparc. No personal
experience with that. Also, one of the *BSD's is also available for this
platform. I believe it is OpenBSD, but I could be wrong.

-------------------------
Wolfgang Viechtbauer

On Tue, 19 Oct 1999 11:15:51 -0400 in comp.os.linux.setup, "Gilbert

gem of wisdom:

Quote:>I am looking for a LINUX distribution that is designed for
>the SUN SparcStation20 (or similar) computers.

>Any help in guding me to a source would be most appreciated.

>I am interested in stand alone workstation applications.  Also, I
>am looking for a good source for inexpensive applications,
>drivers, etc. for the Sparc systems.

RedHat and Debian both make Sparc distros, AFAIK.

BTW, if you've got a Sparc then chances are you've already got
Solaris, which is pretty good IMHO. Not sure why'd you'd want to
switch it to Linux?

--
"Trying to hack into Win9x is rather like trying to persuade the
village idiot to steal nuclear weapons. If you could somehow make him
understand what you wanted, he'd still be unable to do it anyway."
-Anthony Ord, comp.os.linux.advocacy on Oct. 13 1999

Quote:Gerald Willmann writes:
> Redhat (www.redhat.com) definitely has a sparc version and there should
> be some other distros.

Debian 2.1 is available for SPARC.

Quote:> Not sure if cheapbytes or similar places carry those cheap but legal
> copies of the sparc version.

Linux Central has Debian GNU/Linux (SPARC) on CD for $8.95.  They also have
Alpha and M68K CD's.  www.linuxcentral.com.

Quote:> One problem you might have with linux on sparc is that it's often
> difficult/impossible to get sparc versions of linux software which is
> only available in binary form.

It is Debian policy to make all packages available for all architectures,
so most of the 2000+ packages in 2.1 should be in the SPARC release.

See www.debian.org.
--
John Hasler

Dancing Horse Hill
Elmwood, WI

I can think of LOTS of reasons to switch to Linux.  For me it would be
mostly that I'm more familiar with it, although that's why I'm trying to
stick with Solaris(need to learn this beastie).   But Linux has a MUCH
nicer license, and it's a LOT easier to get help with anything on Linux
than it is for Solaris.  Linux is also a bit easier to slim down for
underpowered systems.
        Greg

--
It's pronounced "*" not "scuzzy"!

Sent via Deja.com http://www.veryComputer.com/
Before you buy.