[KLUG Members] CentOS and CAOS anyone?

[Robert V. Kanaley]

>> You buy RHEL or SLES so you can contact someone if there is
>a problem;
>
>That's one reason.
>
>The main reason I would consider buying one of those products
>is because
>of the longer product/support life.

The CentOS web site replays the UserLinux mantra that Enterprise distro=long
support cycles.

My primary interest in CentOS is to have a server platform that I can use to
install applications like Novell Xenworks that say "requires RHEL or SLES".
I am trying to shake someone loose at Novell to talk to me about Xenworks,
without having a $180/hr Novell certified VAR walk through my door with a
big grin and an open hand.

>
>I'm lazy and I wouldn't have to upgrade as often as the "free"
>products,
>since the free distros reach "end of life" much sooner (and security
>updates are no longer available).
>
>I've _considered_ products like RHEL & SLES for this reason, but I
>haven't actually purchased anything.
>
>I don't know how distros like CentOS compare on
>product/support life and
>timely updates when some new exploit is discovered.

For whatever it is worth the CentOS web site claims their developers have
direct access to the RHEL source files and have the non-proprietary,
critical updates built within hours of release by Red Hat.

One reason I posted the question was to get feedback from someone with
experience of CentOS meeting this expectation.


Regards,

Bob

Robert V. Kanaley
Manager Information Systems
Agdia, Inc.
rvk at agdia.com
http://www.agdia.com