[H-GEN] Linux on an SGI Indy vs Linux on an SGI Indigo/Indigo2

[David Jericho]

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On Thu, Feb 13, 2003 at 12:06:10AM +1000, Stuart Longland wrote:
> From what I can find out, the Indy is the better of the lot for running
> Linux.  I'm not sure how to install and where to get Linux for these
> systems.

Take my word on it, having an Indy at home. Don't bother.

Linux on the Indy, while it works, doesn't support anything on the
Indy you may actually find of use, such as hardware GL, or the VINO
hardware.

> We're currently looking at an Indigo2 as a small linux powerhouse, but
> we're not sure how well it will run Linux.  According to the Linux-MIPS
> homepage, there's no real support for the framebuffer devices in these
> systems.  If this is the case, it's probably better we stick with an
> Indy, or acquire a copy of IRIX from somewhere.

The use of "powerhouse" to describe the performance of the R4[46]00 and
R5000 series is akin to calling a Mini Cooper a "Stonkin' V8 mate".

I obtained my Indy because it was a cute toy to play with, and a way
of gaining IRIX experience. Other than that, it's not overly useful.
For the same money I've spent so far[1], I could have easy built myself a 
decent spec PC with a good speed Pentium 4.

> 	Does anyone know where we could acquire IRIX from and how much it
> costs?  (and if it's worth it)

See above. If you're looking for another machine to do development,
and you're not after any particular feature of the SGI Indy or Indigo2
hardware, go a PC. 

If you're wanting to use any particular feature of the Indy or
Indigo2 platforms, stick with IRIX unless you're willing to burn time
writing a driver for Linux.

As for obtaining IRIX. I have a CD set, but I'm not sure of the
legality to share the CDs around. Do SGI boxen come with a Right-To-Use 
license for the IRIX maintenance stream?

[1] I got my Indy _really_ cheap when compared to what people on Ebay
are asking.

-- 
David Jericho
Senior Systems Administrator, Bytecomm Pty Ltd


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