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Is Linux Ready?

Lockergnomie Bil Jeschke on a recent article:

I have no idea what you are talking about. We have a mixed office of Mac and Linux and adding new clients and servers is much easier then with MS. With a CUPS print server the clients need zero configuration. Built-in tools like ssh make remote configuration very easy, and with the ability to display X sessions remotely you can even get a graphical remote session without the need to first run a different program that precludes someone else using the system at the same time.
Your article has only one true point. That being that Linux is not a drop-in replacement for a MS server, and is not as easy to add to Active Directory, but it can be done. I keep seeing competing stories saying migrating to Server 2003 from NT4 is either too expensive and complex for people not wanting to use Active Diretory, or they are saying how great Server 2003 is and talking about all it's new features.
Using Linux to replace NT4 makes sense from the point of view that it is less expensive then Server 2003, does not force a complete technology upgrade on the company, and that the admins of thoughs machines are not IT experts and do not have the time to learn the new skills that Server 2003 demands. Of course switching to Linux forces new skills also, but some people see more value in learning the Linux skills when combined with saving money on hardware, software, and licenses.
Linux is about choice, and you are free to not choose it. For my company the free cost of it is a valuable asset since we can repurpose old machines for no cost with a brand new OS with up to date software. That is something no MS shop can do unless they have a site licenses and how many small business have that?

True enough. I'm installing the latest version of Ubuntu right now – upgrading from the most recent official version. Ain't no Windows Update, that's for sure.

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5 Comments

Two of the best (from a KDE standpoint) OS' that I have used are Xandros and Simply Mepis.
Having said this, I'd take Simply Mepis because it comes with all my browser plugins installed, up to date software, and it also boots live from the CD with the option to install if you want.
On top of that, it offers real controls in full GUI for both NVIDIA and ATI cards and easy OS repair utilities.
Now check this out:

-Ten Reasons For Trying SimplyMEPIS
Speaking for myself, I dual boot Xandros/XP Home on my notebook and Simply Mepis/XP Pro on my main desktop.
Both of my LAN servers (one for central data storage the other for backup; kept on non-Internet network for security) are running Simply Mepis. The server that has Internet access makes setting up BitTorrents a breeze as the Azureus is installed and ready to go by default.

I should have specified for the 'Desktop environment'. That is what I am referring to.

Yes Chris, do yourself the proverbial favor and checkout Mepis :-)

The worst part of setting up a Windows 2000/2003 server for me is DNS, Microsoft has got to do something about, it is so crtical to making other aspects of Windows Server such as Active Directory and Server apps such as Exchange install and work well.

Linux is not ready for TIME CUBE and the magnificent enlightenment that will be brought upon us. The CUBIC AWARENESS brought upon us!
Force teachers to debate Time Cube site.
Word teachers are the most evil humans.
Religious academia represses the human
mind of the Cubic Truth – not utterable.
Educators and teachers, ignorant of the
Time Cube Principle, are evil liars and
unfit to live in Earth's Garden of Eden.
The bastards refuse to challenge this site,
repressing Time Cube free speech rights.
Students must force Time Cube debates &
Make sure every teacher sees this web site.
Cubic Awareness OnlineWhy Not the Time Cube?

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