ATAPI CD-ROM, UNIX"NEW GUY"

[Andrew L. Gould]

On Tue, Apr 06, 2004 at 07:42:34AM +0000, putnam at speakeasy.net wrote:
> I have installed bsd on an a pentium II machine and using the cd-rom.
>> As of now it is no longer working properly I cannot finnish installing
> all of the cd's I purchasd. The cd-rom is 40x Delta "I think" model
> #OPC-K105/5 ST1. I am an art studdent with very littl knowledeg of
> computers but am pursuing a degree in architecture and would really
> like to get the most out of learning this OS as I am sure that any
> knowledge of the subject will aid me in the futer. I am looking into
> using AutoCad, MAYA, Photoshop. I would really like to know how to go
> about   setting up a unix inviornment that supports those programs, if
> possible, and has  rendering capabilities for the MAYA inviornment
> posibly linking multiple computers together in a renderfarm. I am
> looking into the G5 but apple doesnt support Autocad as of yet and to
> my knowledge OSx is a unix os. Thank you for your time.
>
> Joel Putnam

Joel,

Although I am very fond of FreeBSD, it sounds as though Mac OSX will do a 
better job of meeting your needs.

1.  You won't spend time worrying about hardware configuration in Mac OS X.
2.  Most of the applications you list are available for Mac OSX; but aren't 
available for the *BSD's or Linux.  Also, there are multiple methods to 
install free Unix applications in Mac OSX.

FreeBSD is a great operating system; but its strength, relative to other 
operating systems, is as a server.  Also, it requires that the user learn 
about hardware and software configuration; which may, or may not, be high on 
your priority list.

Regarding the selection of a computer system, a consultant once told me to:

1. Identify my needs.
2. Select the best software applications to meet my needs.
3. Select the best operating system to support the applications.
4. Select the best hardware to support the operating system and applications.

Best of luck,

Andrew Gould