Re: Are most DBA jobs on UNIX or Mainframe, not NT?

From: Jerry Gitomer <jgitomer_at_hbsrx.com>
Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 16:06:10 -0400
Message-ID: <7ik9j8$itp$1@autumn.news.rcn.net>

Hi,

    I vote for doing real things with Linux. I have been worked with many flavors of Unix and Unix look-a-likes over the years. From the perspective of an OS kernel developer Unix and Linux are quite different, but from the perspective of an applications programmer or user there are only a few areas that are significantly different if you install Linux straight out of the box. These two areas are: the shell and the x-windows interface.

    Linux uses the bash shell and Unix uses the Korn shell. But, you can get a public domain version of the Korn shell that runs on Linux. I am sure that someone will respond and say that the command line switches for some popular commands are not the same when using Linux and Unix. My response is that quite often the switches for these commands vary from Unix implementation to Unix implementation. (I do find that having to remember to use ps -ef as opposed to ps -af is a pain, but not a very big one.)

    Linux uses X86 and whatever window manager(s) the vendors choose to provide. Unix uses X86 with the Motif window manager (I think you might still be able to get Open Look on Sun -- but I'm not sure). If you really want Motif you can buy a Motif look-a-like, but the differences between the window managers are trivial. I am sure that everyone whose career or hobby is the development of window manager software will take umbrage at this thought, but I am trying to look at things from the perspective of someone who wants to pick up enough practical experience to be able to walk into a Unix shop, get a job, keep it, and grow.

regards

Jerry Gitomer

---

mkx_at_excite.com wrote in message <374d7820.9969936_at_news.iag.net>...
>Here is the kicker. As an NT developer, I have Intel hardware laying
>around all over the place. But no Sparcs, or any RISC systems. Thus,
>to gain skills in UNIX, I have three choices: Linux, Solaris X86, and
>SCO/UnixWare. (I know there are others, but I am looking for specific
>apps)
>
>In visiting IBM's web site today, I am reminded of something. Linux is
>the new baby in town, and everyone _seems_ to jumping on the
>bandwagon. I can get DB2, WebSphere, IBM HTTP/Apache on Linux. I can
>also get Oracle, and Sybase (slightly dated 11.0.3). VisualAge for
>Java on Linux may be available this year.
>
>But try to get this breadth of application support for X86 UNIX. No
>DB2 or Sybase. Maybe Oracle (if it exists, it does not seem well
>supported). No WebSphere. No Java IDE's. Some of the stuff is on
>SCO/UnixWare, but not much more.
>
>Thus, while Linux is probably not up to speed with the rest of the
>UNIX "Big Boys", as an Intel user, I can sure do more with Linux (app
>wise).
>
>It is an interesting conundrum: Learn "real" UNIX with Solaris X86,
>etc., or do "real" things with Linux (app wise).
>
>[I know I am inviting flames here, but please note everyone, I am
>stating facts as I see them, not opinions. If I have incorrect
>details, please feel free to point me in the right direction.]
>
>On Tue, 25 May 1999 13:19:15 +1000, Anthony Mandic
><am@_.agd.nsw.gov.au> wrote:
>
>> Linux may not be the best choice. I've seen too many Linux users
>> try and make the transition to Solaris and bring their bad habits
>> with them. Solaris 7 x86 may be a better choice. Unfortunately,
>> there isn't a version of Sybase available for it yet.
>>
>
Received on Thu May 27 1999 - 15:06:10 CDT