Bring the tangible benefits of Linux to your organisation
Mark Kaelin
Published: 23 Jun 2005 11:10 BST
Putting aside the passion open source development can create in some people, why, in practical terms, should an information professional consider Linux as the operating system for their next PC?
Windows vs Linux discussions bring fans of each to the battlefield. Many advantages argued by Linux enthusiasts (better security, better reliability, more flexibility, more efficient) are disputed by Windows devotees. However, one Linux advantage is clear -- the cost of software.
Users can download and install Linux for absolutely no charge. Or, they can pay a very small price for CDs. Even a boxed set of Linux costs less than a boxed set of Windows. Furthermore, a single Linux system can be installed on as many machines as the user wants. Linux does not include a license limiting its installation to a single machine.
Of course, new computers generally arrive with Windows already installed, its price invisible in the price of the new computer.
However, computers require application software, as well as an operating system. Application software is available free for Linux. A cost-conscious user can download at no cost all the application software needed to make a Linux system into a fully functioning computer. For example, GIMP is a fully functional, free graphics package that runs on Linux. Users running Windows need to purchase PhotoShop, or an equivalent commercial package, to edit graphics files. Furthermore, the future cost of the software is zero, as well. When software upgrades are available and needed, they can also be downloaded for free.
One chapter deals with the graphical user interface (GNOME and KDE), which is very similar to Windows. Do you believe this generally familiar interface makes switching to Linux easier? Will most users still have to deal with the command line from time to time, no matter which GIU they choose?
Desktop users who work mainly in applications can easily work entirely from their desktop. Opening applications, managing files, accessing the Internet, and other tasks performed by most desktop users can be done from the desktop in a manner very familiar to Windows users.
System administration tasks can also mainly be performed from the desktop. Most Linux distributions provide utilities that work well from the desktop. However, many tasks can be performed more easily and with more speed and flexibility using the command line. And a few technical tasks require administrators to use the command line.
You spend a good portion of your book discussing the various applications that exist for the Linux operating system. Just about everything you could possibly need is available including word processing, spreadsheets, email, Web browsers, and graphic manipulation applications. Is there a certain application that you would like to see developed for Linux that is not currently available or possibly up to the proper professional standard it needs to be?
In general, Linux is still behind in multimedia applications, although it's making major strides. This type of application is the weakest area for Linux. The problem is partly due to licensing issues, partly due to software development. However, many people are now working seriously in this area and applications are improving all the time.
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