Win95 + irritable user WAS: Re: FS: Mac Plus

From: J. Maynard Gelinas <maynard_at_jmg.com>
Date: Sun Sep 7 08:24:45 1997

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> Date: Sun, 07 Sep 1997 04:39:57 -0200
> From: Alan Richards <alanr_at_morgan.ucs.mun.ca>
> To: "Discussion re-collecting of classic computers" <classiccmp_at_u.washington.edu>
> Subject: Re: Win95 + irritable user WAS: Re: FS: Mac Plus
>
> At 06:36 PM 06/09/97 +0000, you wrote:
>
        [snip]
>
> >This win95 (blows) leads to other options which I am looking at
> >linux. Linux is very promising and I am learning to use it, trying
> >to upgrade my old 2 4+ yr old 386 portables first also currently
> >learning on my other pentium 75 o/c'ed to 100 lunchbox. Then install
> >it on main pc when I feel more confident to put it to real use. :)
>
> Looking for a UNIX like OS for you 386? Why don't you get MINIX? A lot
> less overhead and pretty easy to set up. (not much out for it yet, put the
> list grows everyday) You could even get a version of Xwindows for it, and
> MINIX will run on an XT! (two versions, i86 and 386)
>
        Because RedHat or Debian will have support for just about
every hardware option he might ever need, has precompiled applications
in a simple to use and install format (.rpm or .dep), and simple X
based TK configuration utilities *somewhat* similar to Windows' control
panel.
        Minux is pretty cool, and until Linux-Lite comes out, the only
option for a free Unix like OS (that I know of) on the 8088/80286.
But from what I saw, he has at least a 386. I've got a 386DX-20
running Linux performing IP-Masquerading (in kernel IP translation -
which minux most definitely *won't* do) and routing, name services for
my internal network, a small web server for documentation (to other
internal machines), and as a slow SCSI backup server to an old Exabyte
(which was the free find of the century, I might add) and am perfectly
happy with it's performance and utility. It's simple to install,
simple to configure, and once it's done I can leave it up and running
without concern. For example:

maynard_at_jmg (129) $ uptime
9:13am up 174 days, 19:18, 2 users, load average: 0.16, 0.07, 0.01

        This is an old 486DX40 *with an old flaky VLB*, sitting
against a high speed line out in Cincinnati. I'm 1000 miles away, yet
I can maintain the box and let it sit to do it's stuff. This is not
to say that Minux wouldn't provide the same remote maintenance
capabilities as Linux, just to say that I'm pleased with my choice and
it's suited my purposes well.

        Good luck, I can most certainly attest to Linux giving life to
old hardware again... but not ancient hardware. For the moment,
definitely use Minux for that.

        J. Maynard Gelinas
        Although I wonder if anyone out there is actually going to
finish the Sun3x Linux port - it looks like the NetBSD Sun3x movement
is dead in the water.

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Received on Sun Sep 07 1997 - 08:24:45 BST