Getting into VAXing

From: Charles P. Hobbs <transit_at_lerctr.org>
Date: Wed Jun 28 18:02:56 2000

So far, I've mostly stuck with micros (Apple, Commodore, Atari, etc.)

But I noticed someone auctioning a VAX 8350 for about $50 over on Ebay,
and I wondered, would it be relatively straightforward for a VAX newbie
like me to:
a. ship
b. get it running
c. find software (Unix, Vms, etc) and hardware (disk drives, tape drives,
etc.)
d. keep it running (does it require specialized maintenance)

My only experience with VAXen was at a terminal in college and at a couple
of jobs. The machine itself was always kept in its own, airconditioned,
halon-fire-extinguisher equipped, raised floor room.

So, should I jump into the fray?
Received on Wed Jun 28 2000 - 18:02:56 BST