Recommended Linux for Oracle RAC, Oracle apps, Ias

Hi all,

After numerous hours attempting to get the Suse Personal Edition 8.2 OS to work in a normal manner, I am considering another Linux.

I am familiar with the Oracle Certification matrix. Yet, I want to ask your experienced opinions.

I want to install Linux on a 2.53 ghz processor, dual boot with XP. Then, install Oracle and RAC on top of that, using firewire. At home, for learning purposes.

Later on, I want to install Oracle apps, and Oracle application server. On the same kernel.

What is a good version of Linux to work with?

Criteria:

• comes cheap on CDs (No support.)
• underlying files are common to most Linux distributions.
• OS works properly. ie. permanently set semaphores in minutes.
• OS works with firewire
• OS works with RAC
• has large user community and lots of documentation on the web

Will Redhat professional workstation work? How about Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS 2.1 Standard ED. Only $210. How about Mandrake? Linux 9.2 is only $7.00 at Linux Central. Is there a place to buy Redhat Enterprise or Advanced server cheap? Or download for free?

Sorry for the dumb questions. It's not often I buy another operating system.

Thanks a lot Received on Sat Nov 15 2003 - 02:04:36 CST