Thomas Mueller wrote:
> What constitutes a "reasonable Internet connection", and what kind of Internet
> connection would be supported by the very limited-function install kernel?  I
> guess 56K (PPP) wouldn't qualify.  If I really want to download, I guess I'd
> need a DOS-based or Linux-based scripted FTP and then install from hard disk
> partition.  But first, I'd download the install and generic kernels just to see
> if they (DOS)boot (my system is i386) before wasting time and bandwidth, or CD
> purchase, on something that won't work.

Not sure what you're trying to say here.

By "reasonable internet connection" I mean one that has enough bandwidth
that it wont try your patience while doing an FTP install. The install
kernel includes a TCP/IP stack, which is enough for a network install.
The rest of the tools required for an FTP install are on the boot
floppies - if you use the standard NetBSD installer it will simply ask
you for an FTP site, directory, username and password. The defaults are
probably OK for most people, but you might want to change the FTP server
to a nearby mirror (eg. ftp.fi.netbsd.org for Finland).

You don't need to download the binary packages before doing an FTP
install, just the boot floppies. Read the (lengthy but thorough)
installation instructions at:

   ftp://ftp.NetBSD.ORG/pub/NetBSD/NetBSD-1.5.2/i386/INSTALL.html

I assume you want to install to a PC, otherwise change the 'i386' to
whatever's relevant for your platform.

As to whether it will work or not, I currently have two PC's running
1.5.3 RC1 and a Vax running the ELF snapshot. I haven't encountered
any problems whatsoever. My (limited) experience of NetBSD snapshots
is that they are quite reliable, especially this close to a new release.

Chris

-- 
chris.wareham@iosystems.co.uk (work)
cwareham@btinternet.com (home)