On Fri, 21 Apr 2000, Orlando Andico wrote:
> On Fri, 21 Apr 2000, Federico Sevilla III wrote:
> ..
> > We are considering a Sun server for use as a webserver (with database backend
> > support for an e-commerce site) + FTP + e-mail + DNS. For these purposes, is
> > Linux+Sun a recommendable solution? Are there differences in the binaries to be
> ..
>
> No it's not, unless you're using a really old Sun (SS5 or similar
> level). Sorry to burst your bubble, but Solaris is a superior, more
> feature-rich, stable OS than Linux. It may be bigger and slower, but the
> main reason for buying a Sun is not speed -- x86 is definitely faster --
> but reliability.
Let me chime in... Orly's right. Buying a Sun server and opting to use
Solaris instead of Linux on it depends on what you want out of the
machine. At the moment, Linux doesn't have some of the features that
Solaris provides, and even if it does, it isn't as well developed and
supported yet. That is basically what you are paying for when you purchase
a commercial *n*x, YMMV.
You will have to ask several questions before making your decision about
what OS to finally install on your box when you get it.
Why do you want a Sun box? What are the benefits of the Sun box over an
x86 box? What are you really spending on when you buy the expensive box?
What do you expect from spending on the Sun?
Your familiarity with the OS, of course, is a factor. However, if you're
pretty solid on *n*x fundamentals, learning the nuances of Solaris will be
easier for you than a complete newbie or a convert from NT.
You can easily set up Apache under Solaris, install all the GNU stuff for
Solaris (bash, gcc, make, etc.) and make your Solaris environment
comfortable enough for you to work in (I'm assuming that you're comfy with
your Linux environment). There is quite a lot of free software available
for the Sun. Most of the free stuff we have for Linux ran on Suns before
we even had Linux.
There will be some new tools and paradigms to understand (i.e. the
filesystem layout and configuration isn't the exactly the same as Linux of
course).
If you finally take the plunge and invest in the iron, make sure you have
a maintenance/service contract for the bugger. Mucho importante! This is
basically what you're asking for when you buy the expensive iron.
No. I do not get any commission from PSPI. ;)
eric
--
eric pareja ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) | check out http://www.Gra.PH
"Knowledge is inherently precious even if you can't sell it."
- Dr. Greta Penninger in Bruce Sterling's "Distraction"
-
Philippine Linux Users Group. Web site and archives at http://plug.linux.org.ph
To leave: send "unsubscribe" in the body to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
