[comp.sys.nsc.32k] 4.3

john@starfire.UUCP (John Lind) (11/30/89)

I currently have a binary-configurable Unix license for my one-of-a-kind
32016 system that National was kind enough to bend a few marketing rules
to sell to me.  I am really getting tired of being left so far behind
in the software world.  For instance, I got a hold of the CRISP public
domain editor, but it doesn't support systems as old as mine (too many
library calls and such missing).

I would really like to upgrade to a more modern Unix port, preferably 4.3BSD,
but I can't seem to find anyone with a port that will call me.  I have
heard that Zaiaz Communications has ported 4.3BSD to the 32016, but when
I call there, I always get an answering machine, and no-one ever returns
my calls.  Grr.

I have all my own drivers, and have supported myself as a Unix driver writer,
so I just need the basic configuration stuff and I am ready to build a
kernel and join the 20th century.  Yes, I understand that I have to do
major damage to my file system (currently have version 7-style file system),
but the fast file system code ALONE would be worth the upgrade.  I have
enough disk space to clear off a partition to load the 4.3 utilities
in a 4.3 file system for testing.

Also, I am not really clear on licensing.  How specific is my license?
Since AT&T already has their money for me to run Unix, can I just merrily
change versions and only worry about the needs of the person who did the
port?  If I have to buy a full new license and just write off my old one,
I'm not sure it's worth it.  Can I re-sell a license?

Any and all leads appreciated.
-- 
	       John Lind, Starfire Consulting Services
E-mail: john@starfire.MN.ORG     USnail:   PO Box 13001, Mpls MN  55414