Display article   Subject:  XENIX 2.3.2 GT Q&A
   04/30/97   18:55:05


XENIX 386 2.3.2 GT:  STRAIGHT ANSWERS TO IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Q:  Is the Tandy release of SCO XENIX different than what is being sold
by SCO?

A:  The Tandy release of the SCO product is the same product sold by SCO
with three enhancements to the product that are not available in the
original SCO release:

-- Support for both AT and MC architectures in the same package.

-- Full DT-110 termcap support for SCO and selected third party application
software packages.

-- A software fix to correct a "slow parallel printer" problem.

Q:  What are the differences between XENIX and UNIX?

A:  SCO XENIX is an implementation of AT&T UNIX System V, offering the full
capabilities of UNIX System V plus value-added enhancements for the 80386
platform.

These enhancements include:  AT&T UNIX System V/386 Release 3.1
compatibility, workstation features, additions in utilities, system
administration and supported peripherals, high-performance configurations
and international versions.

SCO leads all vendors offering the UNIX System on the PC platform with over
60% market share.

Q:  Which Tandy computer models are recommended as SCO XENIX 386 Servers?

A:  The minimum system recommended as a multi-user server platform is the
Tandy 4016 DX.

The Tandy 4020 LX, 4025 LX, 4033 LX, and 5000 MC have also been certified
and are recommended as SCO XENIX 386 servers.

The Tandy 4016 SX is supported as a single-user platform only for
SCO XENIX 386.  Due to performance issues under multi-user load, it is not
recommended as a multi-user SCO XENIX 386 server.

Q:  How much memory do I need to install SCO XENIX 386?

A:  The absolute minimum amount of RAM is 2 MB.  In most cases, 4 MB of
RAM is recommended and will provide adequate to excellent performance.
While there is no general "rule of thumb" for memory requirements as the
number of users increases, SCO XENIX does provide a utility that will help
in determining when additional RAM is required.

The "vmstat" command will display the system statistics, which includes
the number of processes swapped in and out of memory from disk.  As these
numbers increase, system performance is affected due to the amount of time
required to swap processes.  All Radio Shack Computer Centers have a
System Engineer who will assist you in evaluating these system statistics
to maintain peak performance.

Q:  What about a math co-processor?

A:  It depends on the applications being used.  Application software does
not automatically take advantage of an installed math co-processor.
Support for this must be included in the application coding.  Most packages
that can utilize a math co-processor will advertise this capability.

Most routine XENIX processes use integer math and do not require or
utilize a math co-processor.  However, SCO XENIX will automatically
recognize and use an installed math co-processor when floating-point
calculation is required.

Spreadsheets, graphical based applications (such as SCO VP/ix and
SCO Integra) and math intensive applications do take advantage of the
math co-processor.

Q:  Which hard drives and tape drives are supported under SCO XENIX 386?

A:  Version 2.3.2 GT provides full support for the SmartDrive IDE AT hard
drives, SCSI hard drives and ESDI hard drives listed on page 15 of catalog
RSC-21A.  This version also supports various combinations of hard drives.

The System Engineer should be consulted to verify supported combinations.

These products have also been certified under SCO XENIX 386:

Tape Drives (Backup):
25-4079     5 1/4" 60 MB Internal
90-2060     Archive 60 MB Internal
90-2059     Archive 60 MB External
25-4169     Internal 150 MB SCSI

Disk Cartridge (Backup & File System):
25-4064     20 MB Internal Disk Cartridge

Q:  What video modes are supported under SCO XENIX?

A:  Version 2.3.2 supports all industry-standard display adapters,
including monochrome, Hercules, CGA, EGA and VGA.

Q:  What about UPS and Backup Power Supplies?

A:  It is always recommended to include power protection devices in
mission critical installations.

The 903-1681 Elgar Unisafe Cable for SCO XENIX provides an interface
between SCO XENIX and the Elgar Intelligent Power System for an
unattended shutdown in the event of power failure.

Q:  How many users are supported under SCO XENIX 386 on Tandy computers?

A:  The number of users supported is a physical limitation of the number
of multi-port devices that can be installed in the server.  There is no
limitation in the operating system, although desired performance levels
would certainly determine a maximum on a case-by-case basis.

The extreme example in this case yields 34 users:

4 X 900-2186 Arnet Smartport-8 boards     = 32
Console                                   =  1
Serial port                               =  1
                                          ----
                                          = 34

Q:  What about installation and setup of the system?

A:  The System Engineer should be involved.  It is our responsibility to
insure that our proposal provides a more than adequate solution to your
problem.

A properly installed XENIX system is a true workhorse and requires little
maintenance, other than daily backups, on your part.  Installation of the
system requires the installer to answer a host of questions regarding the
environment that the system will operate in.  Answering these questions
correctly will insure optimum performance and utilization of the hardware
and software resources.

A system not installed correctly may require a complete reinstallation,
resulting in costly down time.

Q:  What applications are currently available and are they supported on
the DT-110 terminal?

A:  A variety of small and medium business solutions are available
for the SCO XENIX 386 platform.  Full DT-110 termcap support is included
with this release of SCO XENIX 386.

ACCOUNTING
RealWorld Accounting
Open Systems Accounting

DATABASE MANAGEMENT
filepro Plus 3.0
SCO Integra
SCO Foxbase

SPREADSHEETS
Multiplan 286
SCO Professional

WORD PROCESSING
SCRIPSIT 386
386 SCO Lyrix

Q:  What is SCO VP/ix (903-1745)?

A:  SCO VP/ix allows users to run multiple MS-DOS applications concurrently
with conventional XENIX processes and applications.

This application offers two key advantages:

-- Protects current investment in MS-DOS applications and data.

-- Provides a host of additional applications that may not be available
under SCO XENIX.

There are two important points to remember when considering this package:

-- SCO VP/ix supports MS-DOS character-mode operations on terminals
(including the DT-100 and DT-110) as well as the system console.

-- SCO VP/ix supports MS-DOS graphics applications on the system console
only.

Q:  What is SCO MultiView (903-1582)?

A:  MultiView is a combined multitasking windowing environment and
user-friendly interface for SCO XENIX.

Installed on the server, it provides all users with convenient desktop
tools such as phone, address and card files.  The windowing facility can
display (on your console or remote terminal screen) multiple concurrent
windows, each running a separate task or application simultaneously.

Of particular benefit is the ability to insulate end users from the
sometimes harsh environment of the XENIX command line interface.  The
MultiView interface consists of a series of pull-down, on-screen menus.
These menus can be configured for each individual user on the system.

The software provides full support for character based terminals such as
the DT-110.

Q:  What is SCO-uniPATH SNA-3270 (903-1592)?

A:  This product, in conjunction with the SCO-uniPATH SNA-3270 Board
(900-1593), provides multiuser, multitasking, micro-to-mainframe
communication.

It allows computers running SCO XENIX to operate on IBM SNA networks
by emulating a remote 3274 communications controller with attached
3278 terminals.

Supports one user with up to five sessions.
