- WLUG - wlug.mailman3.com

FC-3 cd's tonight

by Jeff Moyer

Does anyone want me to burn CD's for them? I'll plan on bringing 3 sets, complete with the source cd's. Let me know if you have a special request. Off list response is preferable. -Jeff

Jan. 13, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Clustering

by Jared Greenwald

What is the platform and distribution you are using? I'm not too familiar with the Oracle suite if that's what you mean by ApplTop. Can you elaborate? >From: Mike Leo <mleo963(a)yahoo.com> >Reply-To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> >To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> >Subject: Re: [Wlug] Clustering >Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2005 06:26:00 -0800 (PST) > >I am the sa for our linux Oracle RAC....but don't let >that fool you...I just setup the hardware and OS. We >have dba and app developers that do the Oracle RAC >part, but I am involved in OS setup and support. > >I don't know of anything specific to "warn" you about, >but wanted to let you know I might be able to help >out. > >Also, will you be using the Shared Appltop, too? > >good luck... >Mike >--- Jared Greenwald <jaredgreenwald(a)hotmail.com> >wrote: > > > Are there any people on this list that have > > experience with Linux > > clustering? In particular, Oracle RAC on Linux > > (9i/10g) - though I'll take > > general info as well. :) I have experience with > > UNIX clustering through a > > product called TruClusters (for Tru64 UNIX), but I'm > > changing directions and > > looking at Linux (and RAC in particular). > > > > I'm sorta new to the list and my Linux experience up > > till this point has > > been purely on the user end of things - setting > > up/maintaining my home > > network and a desktop here and there. I've been a > > user space developer for > > Tru64 and HP-UX (with Compaq and HP, respectively) > > in cluster technology and > > moving to Linux is a new career direction... > > > > Any info or contacts would be appreciated. > > > > Thanks. > > Jared Greenwald > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Wlug mailing list > > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > > >__________________________________________________ >Do You Yahoo!? >Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around >http://mail.yahoo.com >_______________________________________________ >Wlug mailing list >Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

Jan. 13, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Clustering

by Mike Leo

I am the sa for our linux Oracle RAC....but don't let that fool you...I just setup the hardware and OS. We have dba and app developers that do the Oracle RAC part, but I am involved in OS setup and support. I don't know of anything specific to "warn" you about, but wanted to let you know I might be able to help out. Also, will you be using the Shared Appltop, too? good luck... Mike --- Jared Greenwald <jaredgreenwald(a)hotmail.com> wrote: > Are there any people on this list that have > experience with Linux > clustering? In particular, Oracle RAC on Linux > (9i/10g) - though I'll take > general info as well. :) I have experience with > UNIX clustering through a > product called TruClusters (for Tru64 UNIX), but I'm > changing directions and > looking at Linux (and RAC in particular). > > I'm sorta new to the list and my Linux experience up > till this point has > been purely on the user end of things - setting > up/maintaining my home > network and a desktop here and there. I've been a > user space developer for > Tru64 and HP-UX (with Compaq and HP, respectively) > in cluster technology and > moving to Linux is a new career direction... > > Any info or contacts would be appreciated. > > Thanks. > Jared Greenwald > > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

Jan. 13, 2005

Clustering

by Jared Greenwald

Are there any people on this list that have experience with Linux clustering? In particular, Oracle RAC on Linux (9i/10g) - though I'll take general info as well. :) I have experience with UNIX clustering through a product called TruClusters (for Tru64 UNIX), but I'm changing directions and looking at Linux (and RAC in particular). I'm sorta new to the list and my Linux experience up till this point has been purely on the user end of things - setting up/maintaining my home network and a desktop here and there. I've been a user space developer for Tru64 and HP-UX (with Compaq and HP, respectively) in cluster technology and moving to Linux is a new career direction... Any info or contacts would be appreciated. Thanks. Jared Greenwald

Jan. 13, 2005

Re: [Wlug] WLUG trip to Linuxworldexpo?

by Marc Hughes

Make sure to register, since it's only free if you do it beforehand. http://linuxworldexpo.com/live/12/register///CC60804 I already got my pass in the mail =) -Marc On Wed, 12 Jan 2005 09:31:19 -0500, Keller, Tim <Tim.Keller(a)stratus.com> wrote: > Hey All... > > I'm planning on attending Linux world expo (the free part) and I was > wondering if anybody else would be interested in meeting up in Worcester and > taking the commuter rail in. I was thinking of maybe going on Feb 16th. > > Thanks, > Tim. > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >

Jan. 12, 2005

WLUG trip to Linuxworldexpo?

by Keller, Tim

Hey All... I'm planning on attending Linux world expo (the free part) and I was wondering if anybody else would be interested in meeting up in Worcester and taking the commuter rail in. I was thinking of maybe going on Feb 16th. Thanks, Tim.

Jan. 12, 2005

Upcoming meeting: Thurs Jan 13th

by Andy Stewart

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 HI Everybody, Its time once again for our monthly WLUG meeting. On Thursday, Jan 13th, Jeff Moyer from RedHat will talk to the group about netdump/crash, which are tools for kernel debugging. Here are a couple of URLs to get you acquainted with the meeting topic: http://www.redhat.com/support/wpapers/redhat/netdump/ http://www.die.net/doc/linux/man/man8/netdump.8.html The meeting time is 7:00 PM in the Access Grid room at WPI. Directions can be found on the WLUG website. See ya there! Andy - -- Andy Stewart, Founder Worcester Linux Users' Group Worcester, MA USA http://www.wlug.org -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.2.4 (GNU/Linux) iD8DBQFB5HRFHl0iXDssISsRAj4EAJ9wWdfdcXPpb1SMNQoKkQGxEI+HfACeOSFg x0DaZJ1WF9A3ld6iJfFcziA= =JpX/ -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

Jan. 12, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Upcoming meeting: Jan 13th

by Jeff Moyer

==> Regarding Re: [Wlug] Upcoming meeting: Jan 13th; Andy Stewart <andystewart(a)comcast.net> adds: andystewart> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 andystewart> On Monday 10 January 2005 8:35 am, Jeff Moyer wrote: >> andystewart> Of the three topics you mentioned, I think that the kernel andystewart> debugging one might be of the most interest. However, I have andystewart> a hard time crashing a Linux kernel. :-) If its too late, andystewart> I'll understand. >> It's not too late. That's two votes for the netdump/crash talk. >> >> I'm curious, why didn't you CC the list? andystewart> Probably because I was half asleep when I replied. andystewart> Shall we proceed with the netdump/crash talk? Sure. -Jeff

Jan. 11, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Upcoming meeting: Jan 13th

by Jeff Moyer

==> Regarding Re: [Wlug] Upcoming meeting: Jan 13th; "Charles R. Anderson" <cra(a)WPI.EDU> adds: cra> On Mon, Jan 10, 2005 at 09:18:39PM -0500, Andy Stewart wrote: >> > It's not too late. That's two votes for the netdump/crash talk. >> > >> > I'm curious, why didn't you CC the list? >> >> Probably because I was half asleep when I replied. >> >> Shall we proceed with the netdump/crash talk? cra> netdump++ cra> Are we going to have a live demo :-) I can demo crash on a live system and on a crashdump. If you want to see a system perform a netdump, then you'll have to provide network connectivity and a server (actually, I can probably run the server on segfault). Do we have use of a projector? -Jeff

Jan. 11, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Upcoming meeting: Jan 13th

by Charles R. Anderson

On Mon, Jan 10, 2005 at 09:18:39PM -0500, Andy Stewart wrote: > > It's not too late. That's two votes for the netdump/crash talk. > > > > I'm curious, why didn't you CC the list? > > Probably because I was half asleep when I replied. > > Shall we proceed with the netdump/crash talk? netdump++ Are we going to have a live demo :-) ?

Jan. 11, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Upcoming meeting: Jan 13th

by Andy Stewart

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 On Monday 10 January 2005 8:35 am, Jeff Moyer wrote: > > andystewart> Of the three topics you mentioned, I think that the kernel > andystewart> debugging one might be of the most interest. However, I have > andystewart> a hard time crashing a Linux kernel. :-) > andystewart> If its too late, I'll understand. > > It's not too late. That's two votes for the netdump/crash talk. > > I'm curious, why didn't you CC the list? Probably because I was half asleep when I replied. Shall we proceed with the netdump/crash talk? Thanks! Andy - -- Andy Stewart, Founder Worcester Linux Users' Group Worcester, MA USA http://www.wlug.org -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.2.4 (GNU/Linux) iD8DBQFB4zeHHl0iXDssISsRAocJAJ9iSd6X4QQ0+KhEtOA8Sy18pqdwbACfV+Ec kU9GuLEYEWjrf3PuECXJYno= =xRAx -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

Jan. 11, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Upcoming meeting: Jan 13th

by Brian Waite

On Mon, 10 Jan 2005 10:04:34 -0500, Brian Waite <linwoes(a)gmail.com> wrote: > On Sun, 9 Jan 2005 09:23:58 -0500, Chuck Haines <chaines(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > I wouldn't mind seeing some stuff on embedded linux development. > > Maybe get anyone who has done some to talk about it's pros and cons. > > I know I've done a bit of embedded programming with Arcom Linux and > > QNX. > I'd love to see some embedded Linux devel. I do embedded Linux > development at home and at the office and I'd like to see others who > do it. I'd might be willing to talk a bit about it, but I have to > check my availability. If any one else wants to step up for this or > another topic, I'll step back with no worries what so ever. I'll see > if I am available and get back ASAP. > Ok so I am available to talk if there is enough intereset in the subject. Thanks Brian

Jan. 10, 2005

RE: [Wlug] Upcoming meeting: Jan 13th

by Minkov, Ross

Jeff, "netdump/crash - tools for kernel debugging" sounds interesting to me. Thanks, Ross -----Original Message----- From: wlug-bounces(a)mail.wlug.org [mailto:wlug-bounces@mail.wlug.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Moyer Sent: Friday, January 07, 2005 9:28 AM To: andystewart(a)comcast.net; Worcester Linux Users Group Subject: Re: [Wlug] Upcoming meeting: Jan 13th ==> Regarding [Wlug] Upcoming meeting: Jan 13th; Andy Stewart <andystewart(a)comcast.net> adds: andystewart> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 andystewart> HI gang, andystewart> We have a WLUG meeting coming up on Thurs Jan 13 - any andystewart> thoughts on what topic we should explore? Or more to the andystewart> point - any volunteers? :-) I can present on one of a few topics: autofs - the Sun automounter netdump/crash - tools for kernel debugging programming with the Linux Asynchronous I/O subsystem (AIO) - I can go into detail on the internals for RH 2.4 kernels, but I havne't come up to speed on how things are done in 2.6 just yet. Please let me know if you would like me to present fairly soon, as I don't have a prepared talk on any one of the subjects. -Jeff _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

Jan. 10, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Upcoming meeting: Jan 13th

by Brian Waite

On Sun, 9 Jan 2005 09:23:58 -0500, Chuck Haines <chaines(a)gmail.com> wrote: > I wouldn't mind seeing some stuff on embedded linux development. > Maybe get anyone who has done some to talk about it's pros and cons. > I know I've done a bit of embedded programming with Arcom Linux and > QNX. I'd love to see some embedded Linux devel. I do embedded Linux development at home and at the office and I'd like to see others who do it. I'd might be willing to talk a bit about it, but I have to check my availability. If any one else wants to step up for this or another topic, I'll step back with no worries what so ever. I'll see if I am available and get back ASAP. Is embedded linux (primarily PPC) interesting to the masses? Some topics I could expound on are: * Cross development vs Local Development * Linux as en embedded OS (Kernels, modules, flash filesystems, pitfalls) * Designing Embedded Linux Clusters * Application considerations on embedded linux Anything else people might find more interesting? > > Chuck > > On Thu, 6 Jan 2005 01:26:29 -0500, Andy Stewart <andystewart(a)comcast.net> wrote: > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > > Hash: SHA1 > > > > HI gang, > > > > We have a WLUG meeting coming up on Thurs Jan 13 - any thoughts on what topic > > we should explore? Or more to the point - any volunteers? :-) > > > > Thanks, > > > > Andy > > > > - -- > > Andy Stewart, Founder > > Worcester Linux Users' Group > > Worcester, MA USA > > http://www.wlug.org > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- > > Version: GnuPG v1.2.4 (GNU/Linux) > > > > iD8DBQFB3NoVHl0iXDssISsRAjByAJ9emZO3gA+52yQ0dBLhMmSBvWTxNQCfcKRO > > diTNYvQe9uG7zOGE6NSFikY= > > =1oes > > -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Wlug mailing list > > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > > > -- > Chuck Haines > chaines(a)gmail.com > ------------------------------------------- > Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity > TKE-ZM Web Coordinator > ECE Systems Administrator > ------------------------------------------- > AIM: CyberGrex > YIM: CyberGrex_27 > ICQ: 3707881 > ------------------------------------------- > GPG Fingerprint: 303A AB50 4EA9 70ED 2E30 2368 C9CD CCB5 4BD7 0989 > GPG Key: http://www.maxslack.com/gpgkey.txt > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >

Jan. 10, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Upcoming meeting: Jan 13th

by Chuck Haines

I wouldn't mind seeing some stuff on embedded linux development. Maybe get anyone who has done some to talk about it's pros and cons. I know I've done a bit of embedded programming with Arcom Linux and QNX. Chuck On Thu, 6 Jan 2005 01:26:29 -0500, Andy Stewart <andystewart(a)comcast.net> wrote: > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > Hash: SHA1 > > HI gang, > > We have a WLUG meeting coming up on Thurs Jan 13 - any thoughts on what topic > we should explore? Or more to the point - any volunteers? :-) > > Thanks, > > Andy > > - -- > Andy Stewart, Founder > Worcester Linux Users' Group > Worcester, MA USA > http://www.wlug.org > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- > Version: GnuPG v1.2.4 (GNU/Linux) > > iD8DBQFB3NoVHl0iXDssISsRAjByAJ9emZO3gA+52yQ0dBLhMmSBvWTxNQCfcKRO > diTNYvQe9uG7zOGE6NSFikY= > =1oes > -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > -- Chuck Haines chaines(a)gmail.com ------------------------------------------- Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity TKE-ZM Web Coordinator ECE Systems Administrator ------------------------------------------- AIM: CyberGrex YIM: CyberGrex_27 ICQ: 3707881 ------------------------------------------- GPG Fingerprint: 303A AB50 4EA9 70ED 2E30 2368 C9CD CCB5 4BD7 0989 GPG Key: http://www.maxslack.com/gpgkey.txt

Jan. 9, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Upcoming meeting: Jan 13th

by Jeff Moyer

==> Regarding [Wlug] Upcoming meeting: Jan 13th; Andy Stewart <andystewart(a)comcast.net> adds: andystewart> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 andystewart> HI gang, andystewart> We have a WLUG meeting coming up on Thurs Jan 13 - any andystewart> thoughts on what topic we should explore? Or more to the andystewart> point - any volunteers? :-) I can present on one of a few topics: autofs - the Sun automounter netdump/crash - tools for kernel debugging programming with the Linux Asynchronous I/O subsystem (AIO) - I can go into detail on the internals for RH 2.4 kernels, but I havne't come up to speed on how things are done in 2.6 just yet. Please let me know if you would like me to present fairly soon, as I don't have a prepared talk on any one of the subjects. -Jeff

Jan. 7, 2005

Re: [Wlug] Linux Banwidht Manager

by Marc Hughes

The last time I did any bandwidth management, I used the traffic shaping stuff. I'm not sure if there's a newer way of doing it now, but this stuff looks familiar: http://www.knowplace.org/shaper/examples.html All I remember about it was it was a pain to figure out, but it worked for my purposes flawlessly. -Marc On Thu, 6 Jan 2005 18:44:34 +0700, Aramico <aramico(a)duahati.com> wrote: > > Hi all, > > Long time no see...... > > Btw, can you guys recomend me what is the best Linux Bandwidth Manager to > use ? > Well, about its performance, flexibility, simplicity, etc... the good one. > > Thanks, > > Aramico > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >

Jan. 7, 2005

Linux Banwidht Manager

by Aramico

Hi all, Long time no see...... Btw, can you guys recomend me what is the best Linux Bandwidth Manager to use ? Well, about its performance, flexibility, simplicity, etc... the good one. Thanks, Aramico

Jan. 6, 2005

Upcoming meeting: Jan 13th

by Andy Stewart

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 HI gang, We have a WLUG meeting coming up on Thurs Jan 13 - any thoughts on what topic we should explore? Or more to the point - any volunteers? :-) Thanks, Andy - -- Andy Stewart, Founder Worcester Linux Users' Group Worcester, MA USA http://www.wlug.org -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.2.4 (GNU/Linux) iD8DBQFB3NoVHl0iXDssISsRAjByAJ9emZO3gA+52yQ0dBLhMmSBvWTxNQCfcKRO diTNYvQe9uG7zOGE6NSFikY= =1oes -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

Jan. 6, 2005

RE: [Wlug] cheap Compaq at Staples

by Martin, Eric

I always thought it was that and some mobile processor goodies (low power consumption, etc) Eric Martin Worcester Public Schools -----Original Message----- From: wlug-bounces(a)mail.wlug.org [mailto:wlug-bounces@mail.wlug.org] On Behalf Of Marc Hughes Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2005 12:15 PM To: Worcester Linux Users Group Subject: Re: [Wlug] cheap Compaq at Staples On Thu, 30 Dec 2004 21:41:32 -0500 (EST), Gary Hanley <gary(a)hanley.net> wrote: > On Thu, 30 Dec 2004, Brian Waite wrote: > > True. However Intel is doing quite well with "Centrino" and I'd bet > most people who buy "Centrino" have no idea what it is. (No one here, > of > course!) > Isn't it just built in 802.11b? If not.. then, yeah lousy marketing =) _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

Jan. 5, 2005

Re: [Wlug] cheap Compaq at Staples

by Brett Russ

On Tue, 4 Jan 2005 21:04:32 -0500, Bill Mills-Curran <bill(a)mills-curran.net> wrote: > Since I'm not gamer (just want good resolution), is there any reason > that a PCI graphics card would not work? I think the key is this is "just another computer" and that whatever you want to do with it will be fine. I think the onboard video would work just as well. Does anyone have comments on the Celeron 2.5 GHz with 533 MHz FSB as compared to the P4/2.8/800? thanks BR

Jan. 5, 2005

Re: [Wlug] cheap Compaq at Staples

by Bill Mills-Curran

On Tue, Jan 04, 2005 at 01:06:59PM -0500, Charles R. Anderson wrote: > On Tue, Jan 04, 2005 at 12:45:03PM -0500, Bill Smith wrote: > > > The PowerEdge SC420 is ideal for your first server & network. > > > Note: For server use only; CANNOT BE USED AS A DESKTOP. > > > Dell does not support the use of a graphics card on the SC420. > > > > > > Hmm... Should I believe that? > > It's probably the same deal as the 400SC--it probably has an AGP slot > on the motherboard. > > > The 420SC, Dell is betting, will be sold to entities that fit the > > first and third groups, and if anyone from the second group tries to > > install a video card (most servers tend to be headless or need only > > redimentary graphics cards, so fancy cards are a giveaway!), then > > all bets are off for support. > > Well, if you have a problem, you can always pull out the AGP card and > switch to the PCI card before you call support... I found some references to this machine: http://www.aaltonen.us/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1999 http://www.aaltonen.us/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2058 http://www.slickdeals.net/forums/printthread.php?t=59592 Since I'm not gamer (just want good resolution), is there any reason that a PCI graphics card would not work?

Jan. 5, 2005

Re: [Wlug] cheap Compaq at Staples

by Brett Russ

On Tue, 4 Jan 2005 12:45:03 -0500, Bill Smith <wsmith(a)chezsmith.com> wrote: > -- People that know what they're doing, but are too busy to take > the time to find the parts that do what they need. OK, I'm in this group :-) Funny thing is though, I configured the machine the way I want it, price came out to $333 but as soon as I put it in the cart it jumped to $383. Can't find any explanation of the $50 mystery charge. Oh, I configured it with the Celeron 325J, 2.53GHz, 256KB Cache, 533MHz FSB instead of the Pentium 4, 520, 2.8GHz, 1MB Cache, 800MHz FSB to save $99 and a bunch of heat and power. I believe the DDR2 400MHz memory will run at 333 with this CPU, but not sure. Anyone have an opinion on the processor downgrade that would convince me it's bad? I was planning on using this for a MythTV backend, with Hauppauge HW video capture cards, so CPU is less essential. Also used for file/media serving, etc. Thanks BR

Jan. 4, 2005

Re: [Wlug] cheap Compaq at Staples

by Charles R. Anderson

On Tue, Jan 04, 2005 at 12:45:03PM -0500, Bill Smith wrote: > > The PowerEdge SC420 is ideal for your first server & network. > > Note: For server use only; CANNOT BE USED AS A DESKTOP. > > Dell does not support the use of a graphics card on the SC420. > > > > Hmm... Should I believe that? It's probably the same deal as the 400SC--it probably has an AGP slot on the motherboard. > The 420SC, Dell is betting, will be sold to entities that fit the > first and third groups, and if anyone from the second group tries to > install a video card (most servers tend to be headless or need only > redimentary graphics cards, so fancy cards are a giveaway!), then > all bets are off for support. Well, if you have a problem, you can always pull out the AGP card and switch to the PCI card before you call support...

Jan. 4, 2005

Re: [Wlug] cheap Compaq at Staples

by Bill Smith

On Tue, 4 Jan 2005 12:05:08 -0500 Bill Mills-Curran <bill(a)mills-curran.net> wrote: > When I started configuring it (the online price is even cheaper), I > got the following warning: > > The PowerEdge SC420 is ideal for your first server & network. > Note: For server use only; CANNOT BE USED AS A DESKTOP. > Dell does not support the use of a graphics card on the SC420. > > Hmm... Should I believe that? You can probably believe the part of "if you add a graphics card, you're on your own", but that doesn't mean that it can't be done. Most of their sales usually fit the following categories: -- People that don't know what they're doing, else they'd build their own machine. -- People that know what they're doing, but are too busy to take the time to find the parts that do what they need. -- Companies that can't be bothered to build and support their own custom boxes. These companies find it easier to have a third-party that will support the box(es) that they sell. The 420SC, Dell is betting, will be sold to entities that fit the first and third groups, and if anyone from the second group tries to install a video card (most servers tend to be headless or need only redimentary graphics cards, so fancy cards are a giveaway!), then all bets are off for support. I seem to recall something about someone having a bad experience with Dell with a laptop once... The guy refused the terms of the EULA (with respect to WinXP), and wanted a refund for the cost of the OS (he chose to put Debian on instead). The link is here: http://www.nomis52.net/?section=comps&page=dell (That's all a bit off the subject, though.) At any rate, the gist of the whole ordeal is that if you're okay with foregoing any support from Dell, get the system and modify it to your heart's content. If you don't want to risk voiding any future support, I'd pay close attention to the EULA and live by it. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- William Smith wsmith-at-chezsmith-dot-com Fall River, MA http://www.chezsmith.com Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend. -- Albert Camus, French writer and philosopher (1913-1960) * TAG! v3.1a *

Jan. 4, 2005