Re: Teen caught in the wrong decade: VMS today

Hi!

mpn wrote:
>
> Neat suggestions. A wide world, indeed--I feel like I've uncovered a
> parallel computer universe.

Ack :-)

> The emulator idea would work for the most part, but it would be running
> atop another system, and it would be unclean to deal with configuring
> both the emulator layer and the underlying OS layer.

An emulator is not like a real VAX, but nice to start looking at how to
configure things. Harddrives are emulated in files and to swap a whole
drive is done by renaming files in windows. A lot faster than
reinstalling the system. A big advantage for beginners!

> I'm looking at the shell accounts, especially interested in fafner :).
> These are neat, but I lust for total control over settings and data,
> and it would make the ssh/telnet option impossible.

Also a good idea to start with - learn more about VMS command syntax
without destroying the system accidentially.

> On top of all this, there's a coolness factor in having the machine. It
> gives it a feel of permanency. That, and I'm interested in the hardware
> as well as the software.

What gives me the real VAX feeling without waisting too much space or
elecricity is my VAX 4000 Model 300. It is a real VAX (Qbus system), but
getting a SCSI controller can be expensive. For DECWindows, a VAXstation
4000 (desktop system) is quite interesting, and, the last three 4000/90
(A) I got were for free. They come with a SCSI controller onboard. If
possible, get a DEC CDROM drive, otherwise, not all drives work on a
VAX. I´ve had some good experiences with certain Pioneer drives booting
VMS.

> That said, I can be found in the Saint Louis, MO area until 01-07-06,
> and in the Maryville/St. Joseph area after then. I don't have a car
> myself, but limited transportation could be arranged. Or, if anyone has
> one they'd be willing to ship *and* they think it's worth it, I'll pay
> the shipping cost (and, if you'd like, a bit for your labors).

A VAXstation 4000/xx is easy to ship, but the 21" CRT boosts shipping
costs - at least in germany. May be renting a car is safer if a system
offered is *fairly* close to your home. (No problem for me, since I can
get to almost any city in germany within about six hours by car)

Frank
.

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