>
> I currently have a linux (debian) box dedicated to the following three
> tasks: firewall, ipmasqerading, ftp server (light use).  I would like to
> switch this machine over to NetBSD.  But first I have some questions.
>
> 1.  How hard is it so set up a dhcp client (ie. my isp uses dhcp?).

as hard as changing one/two line in /etc/defaults/rc.conf
:)

> 2.  The school uses v. 1.4.2 on PII's,  and all assignments must be able
> run on the schools machines.  But at the same time it is nice to have
> the latest version.  What is the compatibility like b/n the two versions
> as far as C/C++ systems programming, and shell scripting.  (I oftern
> develop on my linux workstation, but find the portability to be hit and
> miss, ie.  commands output info is diff format for shell scripts, netbsd
> has a slightly different set of libs and c header files.)  Is it fairly
> safe to go with 1.5 or should I go with 1.4?
1.5. probably recompiling will be all you need then

>
> 3.  Is there an iso image I can download for install purposes, or it is
> net install only?

there are images.

> 4.  For post install prog/app installation,   what is the default
> method?  tar xvzf app.tar.gz; make; make install?  Or is there a fancy
> system like debian's apt-get, or rh's rpm?

it's much better :) pkgsrc

> 5.  What is default filesystem for 1.5?  Can I choose during install?
ffs