UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

Hello,

I've always been around systems that ran windows in one version or another, so I'm familiar with what/when/where/drivers/etc for that.

I want to build a unix box to use as a place to learn and become more familiar with unix. I would also like to eventually convert it to a server to run some internet apps.

My stupid question is...
What do I need hardware wise? (Basically, what are the requirements unix needs to be able to run)

Also, any particular things I need to be wary of like internal components that may not have unix drivers and such?

At this point, I know that I'll be installing Solaris. (if that helps)

Thanks so much!
Cort

All you really need is a PC if you want to learn UNIX.

You could get a copy of Linux and put it on the PC. There's a pretty wide selection of drivers that people have made for lots of hardware for Linux, so it should not be too difficult to find drivers for whatever you have (as long as it isn't too much on the bleeding edge).

If you want to run Solaris on a PC, I'd check with the Hardware Compatibilty List for Solaris 8 on Sun's website.

If you want to run it on Sparc architecture, then you need to somehow acquire a Sun (through Sun, eBay, computer swap meet, etc etc...)

Hope this helps a little

Thank you!

Cort

Back again...

If you want to run it on Sparc architecture, then you need to somehow acquire a Sun (through Sun, eBay, computer swap meet, etc etc...)

What's the difference in this and running it on a PC? Right now I want to learn the overall basics of solaris. Since my exposure will be within Sparc architectures -- is it really necessary for me to invest in a certain box to learn that as well? Or can I do a step by step : solaris on PC learn and when I'm comfortable expand up to sparc?

I'm on a beginning level, so please excuse weird newbie question.

Thanks!
Cort

If you're just learning basics, then Solaris on a PC will do just fine. Linux would probably be fine as well.

If you are planning on running x86 Solaris just be sure that the hardware for your PC is in the Sun x86 HCL (http://soldc.sun.com/support/drivers/hcl/index.html#S8). I found x86 Solaris 8 06/00 to be very, very picky about the hardware/hard drive that it ran on.

Thank you! This is more of what I was looking for before I went and got something.

Cort