Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Path: utzoo!utgpu!water!watmath!clyde!rutgers!husc6!hao!oddjob!gargoyle!ddsw1!karl
From: karl@ddsw1.UUCP
Newsgroups: comp.unix.xenix,comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Unix V/386 -- which would you buy?
Message-ID: <361@ddsw1.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 19-Nov-87 13:28:34 EST
Article-I.D.: ddsw1.361
Posted: Thu Nov 19 13:28:34 1987
Date-Received: Sat, 21-Nov-87 17:06:57 EST
Organization: Macro Computer Solutions, Inc., Mundelein, IL
Lines: 61
Keywords: Unix, 80386, Speed, Performance
Xref: utgpu comp.unix.xenix:1022 comp.sys.ibm.pc:8822

This has probably been hashed out a million times before, but...

I'd like to ask the users of the net which 80386 Unix (Xenix) derivitive
they would buy.  I know of the following companies producing a Unix(Xenix)
V/386 -- feel free to add to this!

o Microport (System V/386)
o Interactive (Same)
o SCO (Xenix V/386)
o Bell Tech (?)

We're looking for the following:

o Speed -- Performance is very, very important.  
  We will be developing code on this system -- thus, the quality of
  the compiler(s) also count in a big way.  Comments on both the system's
  speed as a whole and on the quality of the code generated by the
  compiler(s) is desired.

o Adherance to standards -- SVID is foremost, although utility-level
  compatibility would also be nice.  

o Reliability -- We cannot tolerate a product that panics or crashes.
  We *need* 9600 baud communications ability, 19,200 is desired.

o Must handle 'smart' serial boards (requirement above mandates it).

o Must have a full link kit (ability to handle custom drivers *AND* tune
  some kernel parameters); a section in the manuals that is worthwhile on 
  writing drivers for the particular varient of Unix is even more helpful.

o MUST (repeat, MUST) handle disk drives which are not in the standard
  15-type set from an IBM AT.  Soft configuration (ala Microport SysV/286)
  is perfect, but any other configurable solution is also fine (I'm willing
  to link a new kernel to change it, for example).  What is *NOT* fine is 
  a scheme which limits you to those types which are in your BIOS.  I believe 
  that this disqualifies Interactive (from their literature), but perhaps 
  that's not the whole story...

In addition, ability to run DOS/MERGE in some form is also desired, but not
necessary (we have other systems for that if needed).


We are primarially interested in comments from people who actually use the
product on an 80386 system.  Advertising drivel and the like will go into
the trashcan -- but subjective comments ("Product 'x' feels slower than the
same company's '286 release") are welcome *as long as you have some basis in
reality*.  *PLEASE* include specifics on the hardware and software you are 
using so we can make some reasonably intelligent choices based on your 
input. (ie: memory size is important, as is disk type/make/size, etc)

Pricing information is also appreciated, if you have it handy.... The more
complete the better!

Of course, we'll summarize responses to the net.

-- 

Karl Denninger				UUCP : ...ihnp4!ddsw1!karl
Macro Computer Solutions		Dial : +1 (312) 566-8909 (300-1200)
"Quality solutions at a fair price"	Voice: +1 (312) 566-8910 (24 hrs)