[9fans] Some Plan9 questions

["Matt Keeler" <matt@ircguru.org>]

Hello,

 I have been using Linux and FreeBSD for about a year or so, and I have
heard only a little bit about Plan9, not really knowing what it was. In the
past I haven't had much time to do any research on it to really see what it
was, all I knew was that it was an operating system. Now I finally have time
to see what it is and what it is all about. I will probably install it on a
machine sometime this weekend. Before I do so, I do have a few questions. I
do realise that some of these questions have probably been answered before,
and for that I apologize. Anyways, on with the questions.

 1) My main question is how much compatibility is there between Plan9 and
other UNIX-based operating systems, like BSD, Linux, etc.? That includes
running applications that were developed for Linux, BSD, and UNIX systems in
general.

 2) If Plan9 does not run applications that other UNIX operating systems can
run, how hard is it to port the code over?

 3) How hard is it for someone who is coming from a more common UNIX OS to
get used to Plan9?

 4) How popular is Plan9? This is just a question I ask out of plain
curiosity.

 5) Is there any other way to get into contact with other Plan9 users other
than the mailing list/users group?

 6) Is there going to be another release? If so, any idea when?


That's all of the questions I can think of right now. I'm sure I will have
some questions later, I hope you all don't mind if I ask them. Also, if you
want to just send replies to me instead of the list that would be fine.

Thanks.

 --
Matt Keeler - matt@ircguru.org
http://www.ircguru.org/