UNIX and Linux Applications

Hello,

I'm planning to set up Oracle 10g RAC at home. I was initaillay planning to get a windows desktop and install Cent OS after wiping out the existing windows OS. I have some questions with regards to this.

1) For setting up RAC, I would have to install an additional NIC besides the one that comes built it. Where should I look to download compatible NIC drivers? What is the criteria for finding a compatible driver for the new NIC. Would it the Linux Kernel version or the Chipset?


2) Could you let me know if there are companies out there that manufacture Linux desktops (server version) so that I can directly get them instead of installing Linux after formatting Windows OS.

Thanks

Ad 1: 99.99% of all NICs out there are supported by current versions of Linux. Personally, for a home setup I'd get a cheap 3com, or something with a Realtek chip.

Ad 2: If you don't need Windows on a machine, don't buy it with the machine. Companies like Dell probably won't let you order a PC without an OS, but if you check with some of the smaller retailers in your area, I'm sure it won't be a problem, an will (most likely) shave a nice bit off the final price (here it's a difference of about €60 to €100, depending on the company).

Thanks Pludi.