> ---------- > From: Browne, Kris A. (TC) > Sent: Friday, November 2, 2001 10:55 AM > To: 'tclug-list at mn-linux.org'; Powell, Mike D. (CC-IS) > Subject: OSX.1 as a *nix > > I have been using OSX for about 7 months now, not primarily as a > replacement for MacOS, but as a replacement for LinuxPPC as well. > > Mac OSX is a hybrid *nix, a cross between NeXT/OpenStep (which was > in turn derived from BSD 4.1) and FreeBSD. The filesystem layout > is derived from the changes that happened for NeXT, making > directories easier to setup for netboot and their derivative of > NIS, NetInfo. The display system is derived from the NeXTStep > Display Postscript model, updated to use PDF instead as a more > recent standard. There are some things which that NeXT heritage > brings to the table that Apple hasn't fully used yet, like built-in > kernel support for clustering, the above-mentioned netboot, and > cross-platform binary compatability (under openstep, the same > BINARY could run on Sparc, i386, or NeXT68k). FreeBSD brings to > the table a better TCP stack, better filesystem compatability, the > BSD's most recent stable port of GCC, and a better set of tools all > around. > > I saw somebody posted about Fink, which is definity cool, but since > we're all geeks here, I'll confide in you all that the way to go is > the Darwin ports collection, a direct port of the BSD ports tree > system. It is much more flexible, and gives you access to a LOT > more software. You can get all the details at > http://gnu-darwin.sourceforge.net. The guy who maintains it was > just profiled by Apple, you can find that on their site.... > > I hope this sheds some light on the subject... > > Kris Browne > Taylor Corporation Imprinting Group > SGI/Unix System Administrator > > Pacem in terris / Mir / Shanti / Salaam / Heiwa Kevin R. Bullock