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Alternative Operating Systems...
Until we finally see an affordable OpenVMS, can you handle getting started with UN*X? Can you handle a "free" operating system?
Yes, you read that right - FREE!
Check out our FreeBSD pages for information that might restore your excitement about breaking out on your own in the world of home-based business, computers and the web!
FreeBSD is Intel-x86 only. For BSD (UN*X) on VAX and Alpha systems, see the NetBSD site or the Linux site (Intel or Alpha only). Watch our BBS page for news of the BBS re-opening, as well as info. about NetBSD for VAX and Alpha.
FreeBSD and NetBSD are based on 4.4BSD from the University of California at Berkeley. It's every nightmare you've ever had about UN*X, but it's tamed down somewhat from the debacle that it was some years ago. It's not quite VMS-like, there's still no RMS, no DCL, the commands are cryptic and sometimes nonsensical, options are not consistent from one command to the next, and there's still no on-line HELP as we OpenVMS people know it.
Yes, yes, we know ... UN*X is slowly giving way to Windows/NT. You didn't think Digital linked up with Microsoft on a whim, did you? Did you know that OpenVMS V7 and later even ships with a WIN/32 API? (Hint! Hint! Major opportunity for Alpha developers!) So, why bother with UN*X on Intel?
Well, there's that little thing we call cost! OpenVMS is not yet affordable to home-based and small businesses, and WIN/NT isn't much better. There's still no command language for Windows, WIN/95 or WIN/NT as there is for OpenVMS, no RMS or other productivity / data management tools bundled with or integral to the Windows operating system, and no License Management Facility other than the registry. However, there is a third-party product available called "XLNT" which provides DCL emulation for WIN/NT and WIN/95, with MANY! Windows-specific enhancements and extensions.
Take the "PC VMS" Survey or just view the results to date. Make your vote count - let your voice be heard!
Here are some other links of interest to the hobbyist and non-hobbyist alike...
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J. Dachtera, doing business as DJE Systems.
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