[geeks] Compuholics anonymous

[Sridhar the POWERful]

On Mon, 29 Apr 2002, Michael Dombrowski wrote:

> > > > > >Hey, if you have the inclination, I can probably arrange for
> > > > > >you to get one or two (or three, or four...)
> > > > >
> > > > > And if there's the inclination but not the cash?
> > > >
> > > > That might be a problem, but most people's impressions on how much
> > > > used mainframes cost are completely overblown.
> > >
> > > $10k?
> >
> > Nowhere near that much usually.  S/390 G1's can be had for
> > $1000-$2000. That's enough power for most people.
>
> Where does one find such a system? Does this include all necessary

Software?  Probably not.  DASD, for $2000, certainly, although it will be
a smaller one.

> software and things like DASD? How big physically are the smallest
> G1s? Would older mainframes be smaller/cheaper? What are good

All G1's are the same size.  They are double-wide 27" racks.  The DASD
controller is a 27" rack, as is each DASD itself.  The controllers can
talk to a If you want a tape drive, that's another one.  Older mainframes
would likely be cheaper, but larger.  They would also consume more power.

> resources for learning more about these systems, are there books like
> "S/390 for Dummies" or something? Once I get out of school in June and
> start working I'd have no problem getting that kinda cash, it's just
> that parents won't allow a huge(>1 rack) machine in the house.

You probably want to read up on VM, MVS, DB2, CICS, and probably ESA
assembler.  Look around the tech section of Borders or B&N.

Peace...  Sridhar

--
"How do you fight such a savage?"

"With heart, faith, and steel.  There can be only one."
	-MacLeod and Ramirez, "Highlander"