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Xref: sserve comp.os.386bsd.development:2639 comp.os.linux.development:17716 comp.unix.bsd:15130 Path: sserve!newshost.anu.edu.au!harbinger.cc.monash.edu.au!bunyip.cc.uq.oz.au!munnari.oz.au!constellation!news.uoknor.edu!ns1.nodak.edu!netnews.nwnet.net!news.clark.edu!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!uunet!nwnexus!news.halcyon.com!usenet From: mpdillon@halcyon.com (Michael Dillon) Newsgroups: comp.os.386bsd.development,comp.os.linux.development,comp.unix.bsd Subject: Re: We a FAQ: Linux vs. *BSD!!! Date: Sun, 16 Oct 1994 13:22:30 +0100 Organization: Memra Software Inc., Armstrong, B.C., Canada Lines: 54 Message-ID: <6iHekapDljaN071yn@halcyon.com> References: <jmonroyCxLro2.IF6@netcom.com> <37m8va$hhg@lastactionhero.rs.itd.umich.edu> <jmonroyCxqEM1.EMt@netcom.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: chinook.halcyon.com In article <jmonroyCxqEM1.EMt@netcom.com>, jmonroy@netcom.com (Jesus Monroy Jr) wrote: > John Gotts (john@linux.reshall.umich.edu) wrote: > : The 386BSD FAQ covers some of the differences. RTFM. > : > Yes, that's true, but the direct question is: > > Which is better Linux vs. *BSD? > > RTFQ (Question) > > And don't spout out on this.... I very serious on this issue. Well, here is a serious answer. We just had a similar discussion regarding Linux and SCO UNIX in the biz.sco.general newsgroup. It WAS a serious discussion with only two flamebait type postings neither of which got any flames in response. The consensus was that for most of the things that SCO UNIX was currently being used for, it was CHEAPER than Linux. That was taking into account the real-world support requirements of a business operating system where $4000 per year buys you a good SCO support contract and the only reasonable option with Linux is to hire a body at $30,000 plus. However, there were some areas in which Linux was considered the better choice. Running a news server was one of them. After following an interesting thread in c.o.l.development regarding FFS vs. ext2fs, I believe that Linux will also be better than BSD for a news server and for different reasons than its comparison with SCO. If you are looking for an education in O/S design issues, then the Jolitz 386BSD is clearly superior to UNIX due to the large amount of well written documentation including source code comments. So the serious answer is, "It depends...". Because of this, I think a FAQ would be very useful. And I wouldn't limit it to just BSD vs. Linux. I would also include Coherent (more commercial applications available), Minix (runs on 286, 8086, Amiga), SCO UNIX, Solaris for x86, BSD/OS from BSDI, etc... They are all strong in some areas and weak in others. cruisin' down the information highway, lookin' for a blast breakin' all the speed limits as I come zoomin' past! -- Michael Dillon Internet: mpdillon@halcyon.com C-4 Powerhouse Fidonet: 1:353/350 RR #2 Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0 Voice: +1-604-546-8022 Canada BBS: +1-604-546-2705