My question was whether it's possible to replace Linux by Tru64
on an AlphaPC 164SX motherboard with Windows NT AlphaBIOS firmware.
Thanks to
Dr J Pelan <J.Pelan_at_gatsby.ucl.ac.uk>
Thomas Leitner <tom_at_radar.tu-graz.ac.at>
"Horst G. Reiterer" <horst_at_reiterer.net>
alan_at_nabeth.cxo.dec.com
"Dr. Tom Blinn, 603-884-0646" <tpb_at_doctor.zk3.dec.com>
"Ed.Murphy_at_ussurg.com" <Ed.Murphy_at_ussurg.com>
for the speedy replies.
ANSWER:
Yes, the 164SX board belongs to the boards supported by SRM and Tru64.
To switch from Linux by Tru64 two things have to be done:
1. Replace the AlphaBIOS firmware by the SRM console.
SRM console firmware is available from
http://ftp.digital.com/pub/DEC/Alpha/firmware/
According to Thomas Leitner it is necessary to install first
an old SRM console available from
http://ftp.digital.com/pub/Digital/Alpha/firmware/interim/sx164/
and only then the current version.
2. Replace hardware that is not supported by the SRM console or Tru64.
Many I/O options may not be supported, with graphics adapters and SCSI
adapters being the most restricted, followed by NICs.
(In my case I only need a VGA console, so many/most graphic cards
will work.)
The supported hardware is listed on Compaq's web site as well as on
some others. Useful links I got:
http://www.digital.com/info/SP7070/SP7070HM.HTM
http://www.dcginc.com/Current/alpha_hcl.html
ftp://ftp.service.digital.com/public/unix/v4.0f/nhd_v1.html
Moreover, for educational institutions like my university there is a
non-commercial license for Tru64 for only US$99; see
http://www.unix.digital.com/noncommercial-unix/
Thanks for all the help,
Gernot
Received on Thu Jan 13 2000 - 17:03:44 NZDT