I have tons of experience with *BSD and Linux (both professional and as a hobby) and have long wanted to get my hands dirty with an SGI machine and IRIX. Recently, I finally ordered an Octane2 from one of the few professional dealers left in my part of the world (fully tested/warranty, etc.). It should get delivered next week. Mostly I will just be mucking around with the operating system and programming environment and trying out software.
This post is mostly by way of introduction, but also to ask a couple of questions:
1) Is there anything one should generally know about these machines before diving in? I have done a lot of research about IRIX versions and installation, useful software, display output (13W3 to VGA cable [SGI, not sun!], SOG, …), but would be super grateful for any tips – and warnings! – from experienced users.
2) I have read that the PSUs (especially Lucent) are increasingly subject to failure, so I have bought a spare Cherokee one (refurbished/tested) just in case. (Perhaps superfluous, but better safe than sorry.) If the worst happens, is it easy/safe to replace the PSU yourself at home?
3) What other machines might be worth acquiring next after the Octane2? There are some (in my view) good offers on Indigo2s in my region. If I want a second system anyway, would that be a complement for the Octane2? How reliable are Indigo2s with respect to board/PSU failures, etc.? Already I get the feeling SGI can turn into an expensive hobby…
Thanks and look forward to being part of the community!
This post is mostly by way of introduction, but also to ask a couple of questions:
1) Is there anything one should generally know about these machines before diving in? I have done a lot of research about IRIX versions and installation, useful software, display output (13W3 to VGA cable [SGI, not sun!], SOG, …), but would be super grateful for any tips – and warnings! – from experienced users.
2) I have read that the PSUs (especially Lucent) are increasingly subject to failure, so I have bought a spare Cherokee one (refurbished/tested) just in case. (Perhaps superfluous, but better safe than sorry.) If the worst happens, is it easy/safe to replace the PSU yourself at home?
3) What other machines might be worth acquiring next after the Octane2? There are some (in my view) good offers on Indigo2s in my region. If I want a second system anyway, would that be a complement for the Octane2? How reliable are Indigo2s with respect to board/PSU failures, etc.? Already I get the feeling SGI can turn into an expensive hobby…
Thanks and look forward to being part of the community!