-----Andrew Wiley wrote: ----- >I'm trying to research the usefulness of an older IBM mainframe in a >computer science class. The mainframe in question is an IBM 9672 RB6, >which, as I understand it, was first sold in 1998. So it's reasonably >old. Would this machine be able to run a few VM's of linux, or is it >too old, or would it depend on the specs? I haven't been able to find >much information, although I've been googling it for a few days. >Sorry if this is a broad question; any help you can offer me would be >greatly appreciated.
Make sure you understand the financial implications of accepting such a machine as a gift. The costs of packing, shipping, and setting up an older mainframe system can run into thousands of dollars. You may incur substantial costs buying peripherals not included in the gift. Most IBM mainframes use external disk. I am not sure a mainframe of that age will have a built-in LAN interface. I suspect that a mainframe of that age will need at least one 3270 family terminal and its associated controller. I suspect that a mainframe of that age will need a tape drive to support softare installation. You may incur substantial costs for electrical and air conditioning work needed to accomodate the mainframe and its peripherals. You will incur ongoing costs for electrical power for the mainframe and its peripherals, and possibly increased operating costs for your air conditioning system. You will either incur ongoing costs for a maintenance contract or risk paying for maintenance on a time and materials basis. Component failure rates for digital electronics tend to increase dramatically at an age of around 15 years. The 9672 is well on its way to that age. The surge in failure rate could occur earlier if environmental conditions at the system's previous home were marginal. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For LINUX-390 subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to [email protected] with the message: INFO LINUX-390 or visit http://www.marist.edu/htbin/wlvindex?LINUX-390
