I don't know about putting Linux on a Netra (they are very nice, I had almost a 100 of them at my last job), but getting Solaris on it is easy.  I would think you could use the Linux diskless workstation stuff, set up tftp and then boot net off the Netra.  You would have to have tftp set up for the UltraSparc versions of Linux, I would be intrested in helping out with that.  If you have any other UltraSparcs around it would make it easier.  Get Linux runn properly on the UltraSparc and then use that config to set up the tftp server and then boot net.  Sounds like fun.  

I guess you could have boot net load one of the install kernels.  Anyway it would be fun.


Dusty



> > I'm thinking about buying one of these Sun Netra X servers.
> > http://www.sun.com/products-n-solutions/hw/networking/netrax/X1/index.html
> > Can't beat this price for a 1U.  However, it doesn't have a video, keyboard,
> > mouse or CD-ROM.
> 
> Normally the Sun servers do not come with Frame buffers but it can be 
> added. I am not sure about the Netra x1. You should be able to get the
> system online from the serial console and once on the network, display
> back to a X display for the gui stuff.
> 
> > Anyone know where to get a RJ45 to DB9 serial cable which I would need to
> > adminster is thing?  This is a simple matter of plugging the other end into
> > a serial port and using a program like minicom right?
> 
> When I had multiple servers and workstation I would use a
> terminal server like Xylogics/baynet/Nortel Annex. this would allow
> muliple telnet or dial in to the terminal server to get to the console
> of each system from anywhere on the network. If you plan to have a
> bunch of these an use and annex I can send you the pin outs. If will
> be using a PC or a Wyse terminal I believe a null-modem cable, 
> 9600-8-N-1 works.
> 
> > The other thing that worries me is reloading the operating system.  Without
> > a CD-ROM drive, would I be able to install Linux or Solaris and the boot
> > loader (SILO?) on this thing by plugging the hard drive into an Intel
> > machine, or would I need another Sun machine?
> 
> In the open boot prom you can tell the system where to boot from
> either net, disk, cdrom or from the prompt;  ok>boot [net|cdrom|disk
> address] When you turn on the system and does not find the boot loader on
> the disk  it try to boot from the net. I have only done this in a Sun
> environment with either a exported cdrom or a tftpboot. Since this is for
> a school(I assume), you might be able to get EDU pricing and more
> information from John and Gary at the local Sun office. Sun also bought
> Cobalt which suppose to make them one of the largest Linux distributors.
> 
> Tod
> 
> 
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