< Okay, so if I get this machine...it looks like from some FAQs that I < ought to be able to hook up generic SCSI drives to the machine... Stay under 1gb for boot disk otherwise most all work. VMS fits nicely with plenty of free space on a 240mb disk. < Maybe my Sanyo CD-ROM will work? Anyone know of a good place for info < on using 3rd party SCSI CD-ROMS with a VAX or with where I could buy a < cheap VAX CD-ROM? can't answer on this but generally there out there. < Will I be able to network this thing in with my Linux, FreeBSD, and < Windows box? Currently I am using thin coax and sticking it in there < with a terminator on the end ought to do it? I guess VMS uses TCP/IP Yes, VMS networks. It's default networking is DECnet but CMUip can be loaded and that will get you IP. VMD is not TCP/IP. < Anyone know of a place to get manuals for a VAXStation or some good < beginning VMS books? Library is where I start. < Lastly, found the hobbyist CD for $30 at Montagor(?) Is this the < standard deal or can I get it cheaper...I am kinda on a small Go with that, it's cheap as it's all the versions from 5.4 to 6.1 and a pot load of other stuff (like CMUip). < budget...all my money goes to paying of college debt and saving up for < house for my wife and I :) The alternat is if you have tape a TK50 kit or a helpful local friend that can run VMSbuild. You will need the DECUS membership (free) and also the License (free to members). The license is the key for VMS or you will be limited to maintenance login. Generally I've found my vaxen with VMS still on it. That, a License pak(key) and knowing how to crack the password (not a secret!) and your set. Older versions of VMS V5.3 -> 6.1 are quite stable so any version will do for the DECUS license. If your a unix head and a bit masochistic there is NetBSD and that runs on some of the 3100 series (not sure about the m40). Look up netBSD on the web for more. Allison