In my experience ( sys admin for a large auto dealer group in upstate NY )linux doesn't work for two reasons. First, their websites tend to search for IE and install ActiveX components. In theory, this could be overcome in Linux via Wine or Crossover. The other reason is they write ( or hire third parties to write ) technician tools that only run within windows. It's funny though, the Chrysler diagnostic tools run Linux but the software is windows only. ADP runs on Red Hat, but won't issue a Linux client. It's really amazing. They really need to come out of the closet.
I have successfully run Ubuntu, Linspire and Debian distributions on PC's that are used primarily by salespeople and it has worked out nicely. Linux has come far enough along so networking, printing, internet and office apps are all pretty much bulletproof for simple environments. Outside of the FUD factor, there's no real reason why 80% of a "normal" dealership couldn't run Linux-based OS's and gain all the benefits of not using windows. David Smith Systems Administrator Doan Family of Dealerships (585) 352-6600 ext.1730 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.upstatedigitools.com -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Paul McNett Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 5:02 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [NF] Is it really this quiet, or is the eMail service having problems? Gil Hale wrote: > Did y'all catch the article in this (next) month's PC World, where one > writer says it may be a good time for folks (small businesses) to move > to Linux? Very well done. Unfortunately it would not work with auto > dealership operations. What is special about auto dealers that Linux wouldn't work for them? What ties them to Windows? Why not break that tie? Paul [excessive quoting removed by server] _______________________________________________ Post Messages to: ProFox@leafe.com Subscription Maintenance: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profox OT-free version of this list: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profoxtech Searchable Archive: http://leafe.com/archives/search/profox This message: http://leafe.com/archives/byMID/profox/[EMAIL PROTECTED] ** All postings, unless explicitly stated otherwise, are the opinions of the author, and do not constitute legal or medical advice. This statement is added to the messages for those lawyers who are too stupid to see the obvious.
