Well, there are two approaches. Either one or both together works. 1. Install any distribution on your laptop. One that has panels to make things easier, really helps in getting Linux up and possibly usefull. (doesn't IBM have a mainframe that has Linux accounts? It may be for developers, but even a developer has to get his feet wet sometime.) Then start to branch out, away from the panels to understand what actually goes on. I would have 2 copies installed on the laptop, with Partition Magic used. Just because with PM, you can effectively DDR one PC partition to another partition, I.E. create and refresh your test system that you can bomb at will.
2. Determine what one you will want to do into prodution with, and choose that one. So do the cost of the product, the maintenance costs (and remember your time has a cost associated with it), what happens when you get hit with a virus and your production system is down. You may want to consider a vender that has (if purchased) 24X7 phone support.) May not need it now or for a few years, but when that time comes, it is easier than converting to a different distribution to get it.) Also consider what applications you may want to run and the distribuitions they support. Look at the Linux websites (especially IBM's to see what distros are supported with DB2, Websphere, DB2 Connect, etc). And also any application venders, PeopleSoft etc. You may find you don't really have any options. Perhaps do the first one, and trash it when the study on the second option is completed. I think the full professional desktop version of Linux 8.1 only cost me $79. If you are a REXX type, install Regina (the Rexx for non-IBM platforms). At least then you have something you are familar with that you can play and make use of while using Linux. FWIW, I did the same thing. I picked Suse (with option 1), and as it turned out, worked with the Option 2 concerns. But I really didn't get to know/understand Linux until I was forced to put it to use. Lots of test systems. Lots of failures (in test, of course). Tom Duerbusch THD Consulting >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 06/20 4:55 AM >>> Hi to all We are looking to start a Proof of Concept (POC) of Linux on zSeries very soon , to aid my learning curve I want to install a Linux partition on my laptop, are there any ideas as to what distribution I should install , or does it not make any difference . For the sake if discussion , SuSE 8 on zSeries , and 8.2 on laptop , any problems here. This would be to facilitate the Linux specific learning , I understand (or starting to ) the nuances of using Linux Zseries (ctc's etc etc). Thanks Gerard Ceruti __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ For information about the Standard Bank group visit our web site <www.standardbank.co.za> __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Disclaimer and confidentiality note Everything in this e-mail and any attachments relating to the official business of Standard Bank Group Limited is proprietary to the group. It is confidential, legally privileged and protected by law. Standard Bank does not own and endorse any other content. Views and opinions are those of the sender unless clearly stated as being that of the group. The person addressed in the e-mail is the sole authorised recipient. Please notify the sender immediately if it has unintentionally reached you and do not read, disclose or use the content in any way. Standard Bank can not assure that the integrity of this communication has been maintained nor that it is free of errors, virus, interception or interference. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
