Here comes a question!

[nigelj]

I work in school and I could get some 386's, 486's to make a computer lab, maybe 10-15 of them. Could I run FreeBSD and Internet explorer or Netscape including TCP/IP and net cards so that I can give my pupils an extra Internet Lab?<br>
I know it may sound like a silly question to some, but I don't know much about FreeBSD except that it is free!!! and that it is version of Unix.<br>
<br>
Any suggestions, anybody??<br>

 

[rycamor]

You can use FreeBSD to run Netscape, although I don't think there is a version of Internet Explorer that runs on FreeBSD. You will definitely be able to use the 486's, but the 386's will be awfully slow running Netscape, if they can run it all. You can use 386's to learn Unix command-line operations.<br>
<br>
Are you just interested in using these computers as internet browsing stations, or are your students going to be learning how to set up web servers, etc...?<br>
<br>
You will probably have an easier time using Linux (also a free Unix). If you're not familiar with Unix, Linux seems to present an easier learning curve, while FreeBSD has a few performance and stability advantages over Linux.

 

[nigelj]

Thanks for that one! It sounds good so far..<br>
<br>
Yes, the computers would be used just to browse the Internet, like an "Internet cafe". But my worry is networking these computers and setting them up. <br>
I don't expect anyone to give me detailed instructions but just brief guidlines as to how I would install FreeBSD or Linux, how I could network and get them to "talk" to my file and internet server on which I am of course using TCP/IP, can I use some 10BaseT NE2000 compatible net cards with FreeBSD or Linux, you know, drivers and that.... <br>
<br>
Anyone, please?<br>
Thanks

 

[rycamor]

10-BaseT NE2000 is fine. Again you might find Linux a little easier here. FreeBSD autodetects PCI ethernet cards but presents a little more challenge for ISA cards.<br>
<br>
Both FreeBSD and Linux walk you through network setup as part of the install procedure. Mainly what you need to know is:<br>
<br>
1. your domain name (you can just create one if you are behind a firewall, but be carefull here) I recommend researching a little more.<br>
2. host name (name of the individual computer which you are installing--again just create one)<br>
3. IP address (choose a free IP address in your subnet)<br>
4. Subnet mask (ex. 255.255.255.0)<br>
5. default gateway<br>
6. primary nameserver (and secondary if needed)<br>
<br>
Are you the school's network administrator? If not, please contact that person before doing any of this.<br>
<br>
In order to use Netscape, you will have to install X-windows (XFree86) and a Window Manager. There are many window managers, but I recommend NOT using KDE, Gnome, or Enlightenment as they are memory hungry and will be quite slow on a 486. The best lightweight window manager in my opinion is WindowMaker, but you might try Afterstep, or if you want ultralight, there is one called Black Box.<br>
<br>
The above X-windows info applies to both FreeBSD and Linux, but I only have X-windows experience in Linux. I tend to recommend FreeBSD more for servers than for workstations, because most Linux distributions make X-windows a little easier to install.<br>
<br>
Best of luck. If you choose to use Linux, meet me in the Linux forum.

 

[nigelj]

Thanks, I think I can start with some planning now!<br>
Yes I am the school's Network administrator. And I have notes of all the IP addresses I have already installed (as static, some are dynamic)and the subnet mask. Yes, what you said makes very much sense and I think I am going to attempt something now!<br>
<br>
Cheers!

 

[robherc]

Nigelj<br>
<br>
I have several versions of Linux at my disposal & have found Caldera OpenLinux to be the best Ease-Of-Use version...the CD I have IS bootable and comes with it's own, vamped-up, version of xfree86 with it's own, vamped-up windows managers. (Plus it sports a fully GUI install & boot...a definate plus for beginning users.)<br>
<br>
I have found that the Caldera interface is the one that is easiest to learn for both Win32 & MacOS users, very much a similar interface.<br>
<br>
As far as your 10baseT networking cards: I'm not _completely_ sure if there are drivers for them in Caldera, but it's worth a try....Caldera automatically scans for both ISA & PCI cards during installation.<br>
<br>
The only drowbacks I've found so far are that winmodems aren't compatible with anything other than, you guessed it, winblows and that some printers aren't properly supported (along with a few dial-up porblems I couldn't quite figure out). I guess thats what you get when you use an OS that's maintained, primarily, by ametures <br>
<br>
If you'd like a copy of my OpenHat CD, please feel free to contact me: robherc@netzero.net<br>
I can get it to you (in a jewel case) for $1.50 media-cost plus actual shipping.<br>
<br>
<br>
-Robherc<br>
robherc@netzero.net

 

[nigelj]

Rob, <br>
<br>
Are these Linux CDs later versions? How would I pay?<br>
<br>

 

[robherc]

Yes, they are later versions.....the latest I currently know of....I'll accept payment by Check/MO/or, if you <i>really</i> feel like it; Wire Transfer....payment isn't really my biggest concern; I'm just forced to charge for my costs. <p>-Robherc<br><a href=mailto:robherc@netzero.net>robherc@netzero.net</a><br><a href= > </a><br>*nix installation & program collector/reseller. Contact me if you think you've got one that I don't

 

[rsowders]

If you are putting up some systems for the first time, and you need some pointers, you might try looking at the history of someone else who has been through what you are going to go through.<br>
<A HREF="

http://www.freebsddiary.org"

TARGET="_new">

http://www.freebsddiary.org</A>

is a cronological howto as it was/is being done. <br>
<br>
Linux is fine for desktops when you dont have too many different installations. I'm afraid the anarchy of the Linux OS lends itself to system instability. On the other hand, I've had Freebsd boxes run for years with out rebooting or crashing, but it is more suited for server applications. I have been impressed with the stability of linux with X and KDE on the PPC though.