[ale] SCO UNIX

Curt Smith curts at compgen.com
Tue Nov 12 10:58:40 EST 1996


On Tue, 12 Nov 1996, MHood wrote:

> Hi. I enjoy reading all of the posts here. I was wondering, what's all the
> fuss about LINUX, when you can get the real McCoy for free from SCO? Has
> anyone tried the SCO free unix? Just wondering:)

I read the comp.unix.unixware.* news groups and the info is:

The free SCO offer is for: SCO OpenServer 5.0.  This is SVR3 technology (a very
very very old version of the Unix kernel).  The cost is about $16 for the
CDROM (very reasonable).

Within, 2 or 3 months, UnixWare, based on SVR4.2 technology (the newest Unix
kernel) will also be available for the same terms.

I use UnixWare 1.x and 2.x on a daily basis.  My co-workers use Linux on a
daily basis.

Honestly, Linux users have it easy.  SVR4* is a complex OS, a challenge to
configure and administer and a challenge to install on PCI + some SCSI 
HBA configurations.  Where Linux installs easier and on more hardware variations.

With Linux 2.x, and all the latest add on goodies, there's no reason to consider
fooling with SVR4, let alone the SVR3 junk offered today by SCO.

We only have SVR4 shipping on one small part of our product because of a lack of
a good X.25 + OSI + FTAM on a popular Sync card product on Linux.

For $16 and your time valued as free, sure give SCO's offer a try.  Wait
a bit and get UnixWare for free ($16 or so) too.  Or just upgrade to the 
latest Linux kernel and desk top goodies and know you've got the best Unix 
available, without regard to cost.  FYI, we have NCR SVR4.x (latest), SUN
Solaris 2.5 on sparc, and Digital Unix (various versions) and for desk 
top use, single or 2 CPU, Linux is great.  For server use, Linux holds it's
own, and makes Linus T. proud.  For infinite $$, get DEC Alphas, forget Sun.


Cheers.


Curt Smith
curts at compgen.com






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