SDF Public Access Unix System

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Super Dimension Fortress ( SDF , also known as freeshell.org ) is one of the oldest and largest non-profit access providers for Unix systems on the Internet. Server locations are Texas , USA and Falkenstein in Germany. SDF has been operated as a kind of non-profit association since 1987 . The name is derived from The Super Dimension Fortress as the server originally served as a BBS for fans of anime .

history

The first server was an Apple IIe computer developed by the US student Ted "iczer" Uhlemann. The BBS Magic City Micro BBS was operated on this. The system was named SDF-1. The connection consisted of a simple modem . Over time, the system with the help of Stephen "smj" Jones continued to expand, as operating systems came Coherent and System V used. In 1992, some people from the SDF environment founded their own Internet provider. In 1997, the mailbox, which now has 15,000 users, migrated to standard hardware with x86 processors and Linux as the operating system. This change was completely unsatisfactory from the point of view of the operators and is referred to by them as the "dark age". In 2001, the conversion to DEC systems with Alpha processors and NetBSD as the operating system took place.

In 2007 SDF operated twelve alpha-based servers. In 2012 the association had more than 30,000 users worldwide, including schoolchildren, students, engineers, programmers and artists.

services

SDF is operated on NetBSD servers. In addition to shell access , which is activated for a registration fee of currently 5 euros or 1 USD , paid memberships for hosting , VPN , domain registration , DNS and much more are offered. offered. SDF is one of the few public servers that still offer the Gopher protocol.

The free basic access already offers access to all essential programs of the system as well as 200 MB storage space for user directory , simple websites, mails and gophers . After validation, which is subject to a fee, access to additional software is activated, and the available hard disk space increases with the purchase of additional membership levels.

From a certain membership level, members are given a say in the services offered. In the past, the quotas for traffic and storage space were increased several times . Members undertake to accept terms of use when using the services offered, the disregard of which can lead to exclusion by the community.

The association offers free access to UNIX courses for educational institutions.

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b c Detlef Borchers: PUBNIX System SDF-1 celebrates its 20th anniversary. In: Heise Verlag . June 18, 2007, accessed November 13, 2018 .
  2. ↑ Todd Bookman: In Noisy Digital Era, 'Elegant' Internet Still Thrives. In: National Public Radio . April 17, 2012, accessed November 13, 2018 .
  3. ↑ Membership levels of the SDF. Retrieved November 5, 2012 .
  4. ↑ Limitations and policy. Retrieved on March 11, 2008 (English): “If you want to use SDF, you really have to care about this system and the people here. If you don't want to care, then you really shouldn't use this resource "
  5. ↑ Can my UNIX class / students use sdf.lonestar.org? In: SDF FAQ . Retrieved March 11, 2008 (English): "Yes, and this service is available freely to you and your students .... A number of UNIX classes have been taught using the SDF. From the basics of getting acquainted with the various shells, commands and environment to learning the VI editor, Emacs , sed and awk , SDF is an extremely flexible learning environment for students and hackers. "