Subject: Alpha Linux Questionsnotin FAQ
To: None <netbsd-help@NetBSD.ORG>
From: Tyler Kilian <vaca@azstarnet.com>
List: netbsd-help
Date: 01/18/1998 10:09:32
Here's what I posted to a few nesgroups.  It was originally about OpenBSD,
but I am guessing NetBSD is going to be the best for somewhat antiquated
Alpha hardware, and will allow me to compile to my heart's delight.
(Though currently netbsd.org says there is no X erver yet available..but
soon)

My goals are to run X on this alpha, word process, print to my hp 550C
from the word processor, and to run netscape, etc..


First off, lets detail the system I'll be building, and hoping to be my
"main machine..."

Its a DEC Alpha, at 166 Mhz.  I don't remember model numbers on the
motherboard.  It apparently hasa quirk where it *must* have 5volt pci
cards, not 3v.  I forget the reasoning why.  I'm gonna put 32MB of ram on
it and 1.x GIG of HD space.

Think it will run well?  So then, here are my questions:

The openBSD page said that OpenBSD supports binary emulation.  Is this
through a program, or do I just flat out grab a FreeBSd or Linux
distribution, and compile it?  

Second, (and related to teh above) in order to make this my "main machine"
I will need to get netscape working, as well as a decent wod processor.
(I read somewhere that word perfect made software for an alpha, but it
might have been a Linux dist)  Basically, something to replace word.

Really, that's it :)

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