Very Computer

by **Karl Czap** » Sat, 25 Oct 1997 04:00:00

We're in a situation where we may need to upgrade our operating system.
We're looking into getting GroupWise 4.1 for UNIX and everything we've
seen from Novell regarding system requirements has said that they require
3.2v4.2 or higher; we currently have 3.2v4.1.

Here's the dilemma. When we tried to get an upgrade for our Altos System
4500, our reseller told us that they couldn't find a copy of 3.2v4.2 when
we tried to get it about a year or so ago. At the time, Open Server 5 was
available but they didn't pitch it to us. Is this because it's not
compatible with our system? If it is, I won't worry as much about getting
3.2v4.2.

Is there anyone out there who knows of a place that may still have 3.2v4.2
for our system? Since there seem to be Altos-specific additions to the
software on the tapes that we have, I'm under the assumption that not just
anyone's release of 3.2v4.2 will do.

TIA
Karl

by **Mark A. Davi** » Sat, 25 Oct 1997 04:00:00

> We're in a situation where we may need to upgrade our operating system.
> We're looking into getting GroupWise 4.1 for UNIX and everything we've
> seen from Novell regarding system requirements has said that they require
> 3.2v4.2 or higher; we currently have 3.2v4.1.

> Here's the dilemma. When we tried to get an upgrade for our Altos System
> 4500, our reseller told us that they couldn't find a copy of 3.2v4.2 when
> we tried to get it about a year or so ago. At the time, Open Server 5 was
> available but they didn't pitch it to us. Is this because it's not
> compatible with our system? If it is, I won't worry as much about getting
> 3.2v4.2.

> Is there anyone out there who knows of a place that may still have 3.2v4.2
> for our system? Since there seem to be Altos-specific additions to the
> software on the tapes that we have, I'm under the assumption that not just
> anyone's release of 3.2v4.2 will do.

You should upgrade to OS-5, not 3.2.4.2. The Altos 4500 will run OS-5,
as long as it does not have any old Altos cards in it (SIO, Multidrop,
SCA, or ECA). Those cards can be replaced with modern counterparts.
The only problem is if the machine is SMP (how many processors does it
have? If 1, you are fine.). Loading 4.2 would be only a temporary
solution and the problem would get worse when 4.2 is no longer supported
by that software.

Very Computer

Altos System 4500 & OS upgrades

Altos System 4500 & OS upgrades

Altos System 4500 & OS upgrades