which peripherals work with which unix?

[Paul de Bra]

We're (the univ of Antwerp actually) purchasing 386 systems for use
with Unix and VPIX. Availability of hardware still leaves a lot to
desire in Europe.

We would like to get systems that run X-windows, have Ethernet, a
tape streamer, etc. One of the systems will be the server, the others
will be clients. (We will get 3 to 5 systems, hence it is a very small
network.)

We are considering any Unix (AT&T, ESIX, Interactive, SCO, Intel)
but slightly favor AT&T or ESIX. Our questions relate to the following
peripherals:

- tape drive. We currently have been offered the Archive ST600 with
  Scorpion SC499 controller. Will this work with any Unix? Has anyone
  actually got this combination working? I know that an Everex controller
  with Wangtek drive works fine with AT&T, and supposedly also with ESIX,
  but we can't get them in Antwerp.

- ethernet. We are offered the WD LAN EPR F 001, 8Kb ethernet card.
  Does anyone know that beastie? Any chance of getting Unix to use it?

- bus mouse. Which Unix will work with a Microsoft mouse? AT&T for sure wants
  a Logitech mouse, which I think is very good, but we are still looking
  for a supplier in Antwerp.

- disk controller. There seem to be 2 different WD 1007 controllers:
  WD 1007A-WA2 and WD 1007V-SE2. The latter should have some kind of cache.
  Is any one using the version with cache with Unix. Is it any better than
  the version with cache? What differences are there besides the cache?

The sad part about the whole story is that I have a system, mostly from
US source, which runs fine, but has components which we are unable to
find in Antwerp (or Belgium). (Everex/Wangtek drive, Paradise VGA card,
Logitech mouse, Adaptec disk controller...)

Thanks for any info.

Paul.
(debra at research.att.com) <-- just for mail, i'm not physically there