Hi everybody,
A few days ago, I emailed this list concerning a DEC 3000/300X workstation
that I have, and is in need of a motherboard swap, due to an SCC failure.
The main questions I asked the list were:
- Do you think it is worth fixing this computer at this point?
Consensus: Probably not. There are used systems out there that are cheaper
and more powerfull.
- If YES, what kind of OS should we install? Is OSF/1 still around or
do we need to switch to the current version of Digital Unix?
The current version of Digital Unix is DU 4.0E.
- Does the merger of Compaq with Digital translate to bad news for this
type of workstations?
Not really, because this system was becoming obsolete before the merger.
They are still supported though for people that kept them under service
contract, and also for anyone who is willing to pay Digital to get something
fixed and/or to buy new/refurbished parts.
- Are software still available for these workstations?
GNU products? Netscape? etc.
A large variety of GNU products, and also netscape, seem to be available
even for this older system. It was pointed out though, that it would
be advisable to be running the latest version of Digital UNIX (DU 4.0.E),
which requires though a minimum of 96Mb (128 Mb preferable) of memory.
My system currently has 48Mb.
- What does this list suggest that we do?
If I can replace the motherboard from a refurbish vendor, and add the
appropriate amount of memory for a cost of less than $500, it may be
worth it. Otherwise, it would be financially preferable that I purchase
either a used AlphaStation (if in need of Tru64 Unix), or a Compaq PC
running some version of Linux.
Thanks to:
alan_at_nabeth.cxo.dec.com
Joe Fletcher
jason andrade
Oisin McGuinness
Dr. Tom Blinn
John Francini
Lewis L. Lasser
Charles M. Richmond
Received on Thu Feb 25 1999 - 06:10:37 NZDT