Microsoft Unix

MicrosoftUnix is a page on information sharing of Unix experience under the Influence :)

Here are some choices for WindowsXp (pro version) or WindowsTwoThousand:

1. MicrosoftServicesForUnix (SFU) (No cost, but proprietary)
2. CygWin (OpenSource)
3. UWIN (http://www.research.att.com/sw/tools/uwin/) (OpenSource)
4. The MKS Toolkit (http://www.datafocus.com/) ($$$, Proprietary)

There are of course other ways, using the likes of MsVirtualPc or VmWare. Or set up a multiboot system. I do not know of any good reason why this costly (at least in time) step is necessary.

Note it was reported MicrosoftServicesForUnix can be installed side-by-side with CygWin. But do you really want it done that way?

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Reasons for using CygWin over MicrosoftServicesForUnix

• Non supported OS such as WindowsNinetyEight
• Concern about future Microsoft changes (or lack of) that would make this product not useful?
• CygWin provides better compatibility with Linux (GNU, really) systems, being based on the same source. Any real product examples?
• Need for tools more available on CygWin (e.g. X server, Vim instead of Vi)
• More ready made ports to CygWin

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Reasons for using MicrosoftServicesForUnix over CygWin

• better interoperability with Microsoft solutions (NFS, NIS)
• better performance (e.g. support for Posix threading, server clusters)

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CategoryMicrosoft CategoryUnix