NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: RON NUTTER WITH ASK THE EXPERTS 10/27/04 Today's focus: Windows vs. Linux
Dear [EMAIL PROTECTED], In this issue: * Help Desk columnist Ron Nutter offers advice on whether to use ��Windows or Linux * Links related to Ask the Experts * Featured reader resource _______________________________________________________________ This newsletter is sponsored by Nokia NW Special Report: Preparing an Infrastructure for Mobile Applications. Mobility, properly done, increases productivity and decreases operating costs. So get up to date information about building a mobile infrastructure, dealing with security issues, the latest networking options, connectivity alternatives and operational support enhancements. http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=85570 _______________________________________________________________ NOW AVAILABLE! Networking for Small Business website Get all the combined Small Business advice, authority, and know-how from the experts at NW Fusion and PC World distilled into one powerful resource, the new Networking for Small Business website. Find everything your small business needs regarding Security, Networking, Broadband, Hardware, Software, and Wireless and Mobile technology at: http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=85515 _______________________________________________________________ Today's focus: Windows vs. Linux By Ron Nutter As we look to add additional servers to our network, the discussion is whether to use Windows or Linux. Our traditional platform has been Windows, but we need to evaluate the costs associated with each server. Some in our department are arguing that with Linux being free, we could save a little bit of money and buy a little better server. How should we fairly evaluate our options? - Via the Internet A book could be written in answer to your question. I would first start looking at what you want to use your next server for. See what software is available for Windows and Linux. Look at the hardware requirements for both and begin putting together a spreadsheet comparing each option in terms of features and costs. Some hardware vendors only support certain Linux distributions. Don't let the "free" nature of Linux be the main factor that helps you decide which way to go. Let me start by saying that nothing is totally free. You also need to evaluate the costs with each platform - hidden and real. The price of what you are going to implement is not just the cost of the application or the operating system, but the support as well. Windows support is readily available in most parts of the world. You can get it from Microsoft and other third parties. Linux support is becoming more available from commercial sources, better than it was a few years ago. There are even commercial support options for specific Linux applications regardless of the Linux distribution. More server hardware vendors are also offering Linux support. This is can be a good thing because you will be dealing with one company in terms of hardware and Linux support, which means less chance for finger pointing to start between the server and Linux folks. There are listservs and Web sites where you can get support information. Look at what those support options will cost. You should also examine what a per incident vs unlimited call support agreement will cost. Look at where your experience is in terms of what you can fix on your own, both for Windows and for Linux. Even when you are fixing things on your own, there is a cost for the time you spend working on something, which is time away from doing something else. If you have the time and the hardware, another option to consider is dual systems, in terms of different operating systems and as close as possible to the same application on both platforms. See which works better for you in terms of installation, management, and general operating and troubleshooting. RELATED EDITORIAL LINKS Linux research center The latest news, reviews, how-tos and more. http://www.nwfusion.com/topics/linux.html Network World on Linux newsletter Learn how to make the most of Linux in your network. http://www.nwfusion.com/newsletters/linux/index.html Windows research center The latest news, reviews, how-tos and more. http://www.nwfusion.com/topics/windows.html Windows Networking Tips newsletter Stay on top of all the Windows news and advice. http://www.nwfusion.com/newsletters/nt/index.html _______________________________________________________________ To contact: Ron Nutter Ron Nutter, a Master Certified Novell Engineer and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer in the Lexington, Ky., area, tracks down the answers to your questions. Send your questions to <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. _______________________________________________________________ This newsletter is sponsored by Nokia NW Special Report: Preparing an Infrastructure for Mobile Applications. Mobility, properly done, increases productivity and decreases operating costs. So get up to date information about building a mobile infrastructure, dealing with security issues, the latest networking options, connectivity alternatives and operational support enhancements. http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=85569 _______________________________________________________________ ARCHIVE LINKS Dr. Internet archive: http://www.nwfusion.com/columnists/blass.html Nutter's Help Desk archive: http://www.nwfusion.com/columnists/nutter.html _______________________________________________________________ FEATURED READER RESOURCE NW FUSION'S LIVING BUYER'S GUIDES Updated constantly, NW Fusion's Buyer's Guides give you the latest information on product capabilities, features, requirements, pricing and more. 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