one more question: It is frequently said here that Linux is not ready for production. ( i used to laugh out load at this; i'm learning to control my giggles but i've about bitten a hole in my tongue) What are the really big examples of Linux systems? I'm thinking Amazon, Google and Ebay, but it's been a while since I read anything on this. Who else out there is running very large, very critical Oracle databases on Linux? thanks again ... Robyn -- Robyn Anderson Sands email: Robyn.Sands@xxxxxxxxxx -- //www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l