Eric,

   Open-source doesn't have much support on the sun4u platform.  There are a few older linux distros that run on the ultra.  Check out http://www.ultralinux.org  I think Suse 7.1 is the most recent Linux distro for the Ultra.  NetBSD is the only BSD that runs on the Ultra.

I recomend Solaris 8 with Gnome or KDE.  Sun Gnome they say requires a 24-bit graphics card.  I only have an 8-bit GX card so I didn't try to install it.  I have KDE 2.1.1-1 (couldn't find packages for 2.2 and compiling KDE on solaris sucks). Check out ftp://ftp.patriots.net/pub/solaris_packages for the KDE packages and packages required for KDE.

With http://sunfreeware.com most of your opensource utilities have packages for Solaris so you don't miss anything from Linux.  Plus on Solaris you can use IPfilter (a much nicer IMO firewall than linux netfilter).

Dusty




> Hey all,
> 
> I remember this being covered a while ago, but I'm hoping for some updated
> info. First off, I have around six Ultra 1 systems that I need to setup
> for basic monitoring and individual workstations. I am currently looking
> at solaris 8 10/100 CD's, and also downloading the 8-4-01 iso's from Sun.
> Just for a complete picture, I would like to look at one or two
> distributions of linux that will work well on a Ultra 1 for a basic
> workstation setup. (SSH out to servers, with a nice desktop). And be able
> to meet some very strict security guidelines, (as in all cert advisories),
> therefore no telnet.
> 
> This is kind of academic since the governmental branch I work for has a
> hard on AGAINST linux, I just want to be able to show the alternatives and
> then point out its against policy. :-)
> Hey, I got a Sunday to expand my knowledge base.
> 
> Any good pointers, and no flame wars, the delete key is one heavily used
> key on my system.
> 
> Eric Hagen                  "Sometimes we get lost in the darkness,
> ehagen@Hawaii.Edu         the dreamers learn to steer by the stars..."
>                 "You fight for something because it is good.
>                      Not because it stands to succeed."
> 
> 
> 
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