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FreeBSD supported in Compaq's testdrive programme

Posted by Nik on from the aargh!-freebsd-story?-compaq-story? dept.

Pedro Vazquez wrote in point out that Compaq's test drive programme now supports FreeBSD on Alpha and x86 platforms. The Alpha server is a 500MHz EV5.6 (21164) system, the x86 server is a Dual 450MHz box (no mention of processor, probably a PII). You have to register for an account, and then you can go and play. Compaq x86 boxes used to be particularly hostile when installing FreeBSD, so this is a very welcome development.

2 of 15 comments (clear)

  1. Excellent by Foogle · · Score: 2
    Kudos to Compaq! Once again they've proven that they're behind Open Source operating systems. It doesn't bother me that they've still got Tru64 as a proprietary system, as long as they acknowlege the possible advantages of other systems, like xBSD and Linux (esp. Linux). Now, if only their low-end systems were so shoddy...

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    "You can't shake the Devil's hand and say you're only kidding."

  2. Now THAT is a good sign by Enoch+Root · · Score: 2
    Nowadays, when I see companies jumping into the Linux bandwagon, I'm reluctant to call them enlightened and open to the Open Source community's ideas. I figure they just ride the hype and jump on a money opportunity. I mean, let's face it. My mother knows about Linux today. FreeBSD is still far away from her daily computer concerns.

    What I mean is, it's becoming an imperative for companies to support and develop for Linux. They have a business obligation to do it. It's all the best for us, but still.

    Now, supporting FreeBSD is another thing altogether. It takes dedication to the Open Source movement, or at least a modicum of long-term vision not normally possessed by companies. FreeBSD is a solid, well-crafted alternative, and it is part of the Open Source revolution, in some ways better than Linux. If companies are really to embrace the OS movement, then they have to consider other OS initiatives, and not just Red Hat Linux.

    So I think this is a genuine show of intelligence from Compaq. And I cannot help but applaud.

    "There is no surer way to ruin a good discussion than to contaminate it with the facts."