Re: compaq
Compaq servers definitely work OK with Linux. There are quirks and one often has to tweak bios settings to get things like the IO APIC working properly.
However......
For the same or less amount of money, you are MUCH better off buying comparable gear from linux-friendly shops. You get higher densities (1U and 2U, rather than 3U and 5U), cheaper prices, and commodity parts when you need replacements.
Check out:
www.rackmount.com
www.linuxstore.com
www.penguincomputing.com
www.valinux.com
All make nice systems. I like dealing with the rackmount.com people, but that just happens to be my personal preference.
Cheers,
C
