Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!know!eli
From: eli (Steve Elias)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apollo
Subject: Re: NFS problem [SCO Unix, executables over NFS]
Message-ID: <15869@know.pws.bull.com>
Date: 14 Sep 90 14:39:52 GMT
Sender: eli@pws.bull.com
Lines: 60
Approved: warren@pws.bull.com


summary for comp.sys.apollo readers:
we are encountering a strange NFS problem when we run large
executables on SCO Unix from an NFS server.  in our case, our
processes get killed randomly.  in Tom's case, listed below, the
executables only die off if a particular Apollo OS version is
the NFS server.  hence i crosspost this to comp.sys.apollo in 
the hope that a reader out there will know of any differences between
Apollo OS 9.7 and 10.2 with regard to NFS.  (obscure enough for ya?) 

! I read your posting about the NFS problem in comp.unix.sysv386. I have a
! very similar problem with my 386 running isc 2.0.2. Every time I try
! to execute a file which is located on a nfs-mounted disc I get the terse
! message "killed".

interesting that the problem happens every time for you.  in our case,
it is intermittent.  my theory (ahem) is that it happens whenever a
crucial NFS packet is lost.  our network is known to drop packets
occasionally, and the frequency of packet drops seems to be in line
with the frequency of random SCO Unix executable-over-NFS deaths.

leading me to the question, Tom:  is your ethernet known to drop packets?

! The NFS server is an apollo-workstation. The funny (when i would not try
! to laugh about it I would cry bitterly) thing is that it worked before
! we upgraded the apollo OS from 9.7 to 10.2. So there seems to be a problem
! in the apollo server?!!

i'm not so sure it's an apollo problem.  we've seen the problem with
SCO Unix acting as the server, and with a "real" HP series 300 HPUX
acting as server.  the Apollo dependencies you've listed might have 
some strange interaction with SCO Unix that causes the problem, however.

! That's all I can tell you at the moment. Apollo (aeh - hp now) could not
! answer my questions. I'm in a lucky position in having a big new internal
! disc. So the problem does not start my hairs falling out.

our workaround is to run the executables off of local disk, as well. 
but my hair is still falling out!  :)

! If you think that I can help you with a more detailed description 
! (configuration ...) fell free to contact me.
! On the other hand I would appreciate if you could email me helpfull
! responses from other friendly netlanders.

you've been the most helpful so far, Tom.  thanks!

! +--------------------+--------------------------------------------------------+
! | ---- Thomas Winder | Departement of VLSI-Design  | VOICE: (+43.1)58801-8145 |
! |  / /---/ /-/-/     | Technical University Vienna | FAX:   (+43.1)569697     |
! | / /---/ / / /      | Treitlstrasse 3 | EMAIL: tom@vlsivie.tuwien.ac.at      |
! |                    | 1040 Vienna     |        tom@vlsivie.uucp              |
! | just do it!!!      |                 |        e182201@awituw01.bitnet       |
! +--------------------+-----------------+--------------------------------------|

ps -- our mailer barfs on that ac.at address above.  

; Steve Elias, eli@pws.bull.com;  617 932 5598 (voicemail)
; 508 294 0101 (SCO Unix fax)
; 508 294 7556 (work phone)