In article <aaidnRiIyby7PPTZRVnytQ@pipex.net>,
graham salkin <graham@salkin.co.uk> wrote:
>Solaris 7 is the last supported solaris release on an IPC. However, you
>should be prepared to not use X, and fully load it with whatever memory
>you have.
>
>I have found better performance with the BSDs, NetBSD and OpenBSD seem
>to work acceptably.
>
>I gave up using the CD, and netinstalled them.
>Using CD-R's in a CD-rom drive of the sort of age suitable to work with
>a computer that old is a tricky experience. it may work, but dont count
>on it.
>
>You *can* install linux, but on an IPC, i dont recommend it. It works
>fine on the more powerful boxes, but on a 25Mhz SPARC I, it seems even
>slower than Solaris 7.
>
>If you are going to try linux, try Debian Woody. Its the only one I have
>found which seems to install relatively cleanly. Even Sarge seems to
>have problems.
>
>Forget SunOS unless your doing the antique computer thing. its very slow.

SunOS isn't too slow on the IPC.
I've run it on ELC's, SparcStation 2's, IPX's and such.

I think it performs equivalent to NetBSD on the box. The main problem
is the limited memory.

The IPX is a bit better cpu... I have one of them and a couple of
the Sparc-up upgraded SparcStation2's.

The SunOS was very reliable and solid and the X worked.
I've been debating reloading the ELC with SunOS4 if I can find a 4.1.4
install cd and the y2k patches.

>
>Of course a much better solution would be put in an 8 bit framebuffer
>and use it as an X terminal to a bigger computer.
>SLXT runs like a charm on these old boxes, and an IPC is even looks
>compact on the desk.

The ELC will probably be used as an Xterminal here... I've debated
netbooting it and making it drive-free as a standalone display...

bill
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