IRIX and Software

I have recently got a nice SGI O2+ (400MHz, 512MB, 18GB) running on 6.5.13. I was thinking to reinstall IRIX (fresh installation) as a part getting into the platform

I have all core 6.5 disks and overlays for 6.5.30. As I have seen in this forum some comments that 6.5.22 is a good option, I wanted to get your opinion which IRIX version is best for O2+?
Thanks for help!

Version 6.5.22 is the minimum requirement for nekoware.

A list of all features of each version can be found here on our very own wiki:

http://www.nekochan.net/wiki/IRIX_version_6.5

When upgrading from 6.5.13 to 6.5.22 or later you need to install patch 5086 first.. http://www.nekochan.net/wiki/Patch_5086

R.

Actually I was thinking to reinstall all from the scratch (starting from overlays 6.5.30) and not just update from my current OS version. Will I need this patch as well in this approach?

No, the patch is only required for updates.

Don't wipe the drive. I'd pull the drive an put a new blank drive in. The old drive might have software on it that you might want to be able to go back to, Maya, LightWave, Mips Pro, Pro/E or something...

R.

I have Irix 6.5.29 on my 300 MHz O2 and it runs fine. If you already have the CDs for 6.5.30 I would use it.
I would, as already was recommended, buy a SCSI hard disk and install Irix 6.5.30 to it.

It is possible that licenses for software is still on your hard disk and that only the files
for executing the software have been deleted.

Yes, getting a new drive is a good idea - thank you. Unfortunately, I do have a budget to buy a new drive now. I will postpone fresh installation by the time I know what exactly I have in my current system and I get more experience in IRIX

While browsing the forum I've come across few posts saying that for 6.5.30 you need to have Development Foundations 1.3 CD and an original Development Foundations 1998 CD is not enough (this one I have in the box)? Where I can find a good guide explaining all those possible issues and dependencies? I was looking around but cannot find a complete one.

Thanks!

Have a look at this: http://www.sgi.com/products/software/irix/releases/

You do not need the Development Foundation to upgrade Irix, it is part of the MIPSPro compiler suite.

Patch 5086 is a free download if you have a Supportfolio account: https://support.sgi.com/content_request/20030515204501-IRIXPatch-6438/index.html

18GB SCSI hard drives go for about 5 bucks on Ebay these days, so, limited budget or not that's pretty affordable...

I haven't worked with it, but GCC 4.x won't use the IRIX toolchain, so you might not need IDF.

And creating a Supportfolio account is free!