The faithful Notebook

[SilverNodashi]

well, if I can download my free software from the internet, instead of driving to the shop to purchase it, then I would still rather use Linux. If I don't like the included software on my DVD ( and everything you'll need is included in most distro's DVD) then you can (but don't have to) download a different free program on the internet that already does the same.

Most full distro's (i.e. Fedora Core, OpenSuse, Mandriva, etc) has Open Office, Mozilla Firefox, Thunderbird, GIMP, etc included as a standard. You really, really, don't need internet for Linux. And most of the laptops I've seen in the shops have a ready to use OS + Office + Internet + Email setup, no need to purchase a R4K office license after your 60 day trail is over. Nor do you need to drive to the shop to get anything else. If you want to, then you still can.

BUT, in your argument, and IMO, it's cheaper to download it from the net than to drive to the shop

[insulin]

The truth of the matter is that Linux needs a solid hard-copy backbone like MS. And it is a pity to say it but it needs an MS runtime environment as standard... this will allow your existing software to work with Linux without problems and perhaps play a game or two. But again Linux is a business tool so I don’t think that lack of game play is really a bad thing. And I will give it to Linux it is stable...

[SilverNodashi]

Oh with games, if you're trying to run commercial games, then you can use Cadega to run them. And, if you need a more feature packed distro, try Fedora Core or OpenSuse.

[insulin]

There are plenty linux courses and training centres around, and if you're looking for an internationally recognised certification (similar to MCSE, MCSA, CCNP, CCNA, etc), then the Redhat, Suse Novell & Ubuntu certifications will give you what you need (and more )

What is the cost I am really interested. Please I do want to do Linux it is a good OS.

[SilverNodashi]

The truth of the matter is that Linux needs a solid hard-copy backbone like MS. And it is a pity to say it but it needs an MS runtime environment as standard... this will allow your existing software to work with Linux without problems and perhaps play a game or two. But again Linux is a business tool so I don’t think that lack of game play is really a bad thing. And I will give it to Linux it is stable...

Linux doesn't need anything, especially not MS. What you're saying is very far from the truth and a misconception M$ likes to tell the masses as well.

[insulin]

Its true but I did say I am an MS monk. But the reality is that some people are just done with MS and there licensing system. However some of these individuals do have expensive software that they need to be able to run on the Linux OS. Like CAT programs. Then an MS runtime program will allow them to come over to the Linux side and will be happy because no more OS licensing that cost thousands. I agree with you in everyway... However the truth that some specialist software needs what it needs and if Linux can provide than I see tough times ahead for MS.

[SilverNodashi]

sure, but that's a different argument, and even then not really even an argument. In that case, it's more a matter of using the right tool for the job and I don't think licensing would be the determining factor.

I also work on Windows, have some Windows 2003 SBS, Web, Enterprise & 2008 servers, all being used for the rightful purpose. For that matter some of our graphic designer refuse to even look @ a PC, cause the MAC's perform best for their purposes being used. And all our firewalls / routers & servers are Linux, unless the client has a MS only app, like Exchange / Pastell / Visio / etc.

Coming back to this post, for the purpose of the average tech / sales rep / admin person / etc, a Linux PC / laptop would be ideal. It keeps costs very low, and IT maintenance as well. I even have a client ( a doctor's practice) in the rural Transkey who runs 9 OpenSuse PC's, and 2 Suse servers. His staff was trained on it, and that's all they use, but since they only run an intranet with a PHP+MySQL app, they won't need more

[twinscythe12332]

in terms of low cost computing geared towards office, I'll agree with you that linux cuts costs on software, which can then be thrown into hardware for an even faster lappy (after all, they charge in excess already). If you can train up your staff and get them out of the "windows is required for a PC to run" mentality, they will be able to use a linux machine for what they need to. However, if price isn't an option, I will buy microsoft.

[Dave A]

How far away is Linux from being fully plug 'n play?

[SilverNodashi]

in terms of low cost computing geared towards office, I'll agree with you that linux cuts costs on software, which can then be thrown into hardware for an even faster lappy (after all, they charge in excess already). If you can train up your staff and get them out of the "windows is required for a PC to run" mentality, they will be able to use a linux machine for what they need to. However, if price isn't an option, I will buy microsoft.

Do you know how long it took me to teach my mother how to use Windows? She got acostomed to DOS (i.e. no mouse, and no multitasking) that it was more difficult to teach her Windows, than what it would have been using Linux in console mode.

But, if a users only needs word / email / internet / printing, then the learning curve is small. Both KDE & Gnome are excellent interfaces and can be learned very quickly. It's the 'PC smart' users who are normally a pain in neck to train, cause they are often too stubborn to learn new stuff.

How far away is Linux from being fully plug 'n play?

Dave, what isn't plug `n play? Honestly, Linux can do exactly what you need it todo, you just need to use the right distro &, or tools for the job. I find that Linux works very nicely on most laptops, with just about any piece of hardware.

[insulin]

In any event Linux is more user friendly than what it was 7 years go. With little reasoning and a lot of Google you can get it to work with no trouble at all. However Training is the best way to Linux. If you know the system you can use the system better. And it is of note that Linux is king when it comes to networking “once you get it going” it is fast and it is stable... and because it is inexpensive you can setup a working test model in your office and let people use it. I think once that is done Linux will speak for itself.