UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

I want to cheaply build my own PC that will run the latest versions of Linspire, Fedora Core, FreeBSD and Solaris, but I don't know where to start.

This PC doesn't have to be particulary fast. It's video performance need not be top notch, however, sound quality and sound performance must rock! The hardware should be highly upgradeable, so that it will last a long time. I would like it to be a 64-bit AMD Socket 939 or 754 system with an Athlon 64 processor. I also particularly like this case, this power supply and this cooling system.

This machine will be used mainly to watch DVD movies, listen to music, use productivity applications, use the Internet and for me, it's only user, to learn about and study the different operating systems running on it.

BTW, Pederabo, it would be nice if there was a Readme on building your own Linux/Unix PC in the Frequently Asked Questions Forum.

Your first issue is finding a system that will run these - I believe Solaris is the hardest to do as far as finding a system it will run on after loading (if it loads). No bashing here (I am a Solaris SA) - just stating facts. I've gotten Solaris X86 to run once on only one system - have tried multiple systems (1 out of 4 worked). So if you want to run Solaris X86, find a system that will fit in the hardware compatibility list that Solaris has. SUN HCL

Once you find something that will run Solaris, make sure that hardware will work with the rest on your list (each should have the same type of list - I have a Compaq Armada that I put Freebsd and then Fedora on with no big issues - Solaris X86 2.6, 7, and 10 didn't work on it).

As far as a FAQ for building - each OS is different and they usually have a FAQ and other docs for building from the same site you download from. Plus the issue of hardware would make for a huge project for Perderabo to put something together. Maybe when you finish building, you can report on what you did

Ok, I have another question about Linspire, Fedora Core, FreeBSD and Solaris:

How well will each of these operating systems work with an SLI motherboard or do I even need SLI?

I have found that picking out the perfect motherboard is one the hardest things to do when building your own PC, but if I could get some help with this that would give me a great start towards this project!

If worse comes to worse, perhaps it may be better for me to buy one of these x64 Sun Desktops instead of building my own computer, but for now I just want to work on building my own.

I'm having trouble finding a Linux/Unix compatible 802.11g wireless card. Can anyone help?