I have a number of FreeBSD systems running here at MIT as real, production systems on a single board PCs (VMAX-340s). The workstation I am using to type this in fact is directly on the Internet using FreeBSD and XFree86 to provide me with a workstation class XWindowing environment.
I have also rebuilt the XFree86 server to permit use with a Voice System via the a2x program and DragonDictate.
I also read email using a natural language email interface developed years ago at Columbia called MM which is also publicly available (free).
The total cost is one of the things which make this approach so interesting:
VMAX340 CPU ~$700.00 16Meg Memory ~$400.00 IDE Disk Drive ~$250.00 (340Meg) 21" Color CRT ~$1700.00 #9GXE Video Acc ~$400.00 SCSI Interface ~$250.00 (Aha1542CF) 1G drv ~$700.00 CDROM ~$300.00As you can see, the prices here are amazingly low. The system COULD be configured MUCH cheaper since the VMAX has on board SVGA (512K). I use this myself and find generally only the latest software is available for this platform and things not available port with the greatest of ease.
Sadly, its by and far the most advanced UNIX I have in the area. NONE of my systems we paid for even come close.
You can get more info on FreeBSD by reading the Usenet groups:
comp.386bsd.*Or sending email to:
FreeBSD-questions@freefall.cdrom.comAnd its worth note that Walnut Creek has the complete system on CDROM and has done a fine job in supporting the FreeBSD effort, they may be reached at:
Walnut Creek CDROM
4041 Pike Lane, Suite D
Concord CA 94520
1-800-786-9907, +1-510-674-0783, +1-510-674-0821 (fax)
Disclaimer:
I do not work for Walnut Creek, nor do they give me anything for this, I just
think they are doing a good job. If you are interested in a nifty single board computer, give TempusTech a call at 800-634-0701 and ask Gary to send you some VMAX info. I only wish other companies would offer the kind of support TempusTech offers. It would make my life MUCH easier.