Re: A comparison of Unices?

[Bruce Smith <bruce@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Can any of the people who have worked with multiple commercial unices
> tell me which of them most resembles Linux in day to day use, ie command
> set, init scheme, etc?

I've used HPUX for many years, and it's very similar to Linux except for 
printing (lp vs. lpr).  There are a few other minor commands differences,
but I think you'll find that between any two *nix systems.

If you want to experence a commercial Unix system first hand, SCO has a
number of i386 Unix products available "free" ($20-$70 for the CD kit).
Products like SCO OpenServer, SCO Unixware (2.1 & 7), SCO Merge ...
For this price, they are for "personal use only", but is a complete and
functional product and comes well stocked with options.  Morningstar PPP, 
C, C++, debuggers, Advanced Networking, Netscape FastTrack server, etc.
See:   http://www.sco.com/offers/

I personally have the free ($20) SCO Unixware 2.12, and can make legal
copies of the CD, but you're better off buying it from SCO since you 
still have to obtain a licence key from SCO, and I can't legally copy
the install manual, which is very helpful for installing it.

Don't be surprised if you're disappointed after using Linux (IMHO).
Some things are very difficult to do, because of lack of manuals
(you don't get with the "free" software), and check the HCL first, 
because it's hardware support is extremely limited compared to Linux.
OTOH, it's a very cheap way to experence a commercial Unix product.

--------------------------------------------
Bruce Smith                bruce@armintl.com
System Administrator / Network Administrator
Armstrong International, Inc.
Three Rivers, Michigan  49093  USA
http://www.armstrong-intl.com/
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