Matthew Nuzum wrote:
> You mentioned that you were going to use Linux boxes for
> your PCs, does that mean that you're going to attach to the
> accounting files through NFS and run DOSEMU locally on each
> PC?

No.  I'll be using NFS for home directories, but it will *NOT*
involve the DOSEmu filesystem anywhere.

I'm going to run multiple instances of DOSEmu locally on one
system.  The actually DOSEmu sessions will be run via XDOS, which
the display pumped over X to the individual user's Linux boxen. 
Again, I'm running all DOSEmu sessions on one system, with the "C:
drive" being its own filesystem (/var/lib/DOSEmu).

> If so, the above statement has no validity,

Of course, because NFS is a completely different beast.  I
understand this.  ;-P

> because I used telnet to run all DOSEMU sessions on the
> same PC.

Right.  I'd be doing the same thing, except c/o XDOS/X-Windows
instead of Telnet/DOS.

> NFS introduces completely different locking issues, and I have
> no experience handling these with DOSEMU.

I wouldn't even attempt it myself.

> As far as your licensing issues, check to see if FREEDOS
> will work before shelling out for caldera.  It seems to
> work pretty good for normal line of business apps (although
> I haven't tested it extensively).  Not to say that the
> mentioned price is out of line, that sounds like a fair
> price for a workable solution, but if you don't HAVE
> to mess with licenses, why bother?

Well, I need reliable DPMI and I tested the program works under
DOSEmu + DR-DOS 7.03 w/DPMI enabled.  I've used FreeDOS in the past,
but have had a few issues.  Nothing against the FreeDOS team,
they've done great!  But the accounting package is "officially"
supported on DR-DOS, so it's the most ideal, even if its not free.

For those that don't know, Caldera/Lineo supplies the DOSEmu image
for free, even for commercial use, here:
http://www.drdos.com/downloads/index.html

[ SIDE NOTE:  You can also find the Caldera OpenLinux DOSEmu
(slightly dated) and DR-DOS 7.03 image in RPM form at RPMFind.NET. ]

Regarding its licensing, I think it is only for use Qty. 1 (for
testing), not sure (I've sent an E-mail to Caldera/Lineo regarding
licensing for DOSEmu under Linux).  I used this DOSEmu image/RPMs to
get "started with", and then mixed in individual files from the
DR-DOS "Light" (i.e. without networking / Personal NetWare) versions
which is downloadable here:
ftp://ftp.lineo.com/pub/drdos/DR-DOS.703

The pricing info I found was here:
http://www.drdos.com/purchase/index.html

But, again, one E-mail I have sent about purchasing DR-DOS (about
two weeks ago) has not returned a response (possibly not worth their
bother, at the price offered?).  I'm hoping Caldera/Lineo has a
"low-cost" volume licensing plan for DR-DOS when it is run under
DOSEmu under Linux.  Until then, I will just semi-aggressively
pursue "getting legal".**

-- Bryan

**P.S.  Caldera/Lineo people, please contact me if you know
anything.  I'm just testing on 2 systems right now, but plan to
install it on 5 production systems in about 3 weeks.  I'd like to
pay you the money you are entitled to.  Let me know if there is no
charge for DR-DOS usage under DOSEmu, and/or other "end-user" usage.

P.S.S.  Besides sales from licensing DR-DOS' source code (which
resulted in them recanting on releasing the source OSS, oh well, if
they can make more money for Linux endeavors ;-), I think Caldera's
purchase of DR-DOS actually netted them some serious cash when
Microsoft settled the private DR v. MS lawsuit out of court (~$300M
I heard?).  Maybe that "paid" for all the small-time end-user
licensing/usage like mine.  Wishful thinking?  ;-PPP

-- 
Bryan J. Smith, Engineer        mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]   
AbsoluteValue Systems, Inc.     http://www.linux-wlan.org
SmithConcepts, Inc.          http://www.SmithConcepts.com
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