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How To Create a Linux Network for Peanuts
securitas writes: LinuxWorld has the first installment of a series on how to go from being a Windows based shop to a Linux one." One of the article's points, one that I strongly agree with, is how overpowered the machines are that most people buy.
Do people that write articles like this actually support normal users every day? Go tell people you are giving them a 5 year old PC that runs a front-end that they can't really customize.
Tell the CIO you're buying 5 year old PCs with no warranty or support. Come on.... Look at the math. We order new 1GHz P3 Compaq workstations today for $999 or less. The cost of Windows in that is like $100. Is it really worth $100/PC to hack up some other solution for me? No..not with 250 users it isn't. That's why Linux isn't storming the desktop. The gain just doesn't offset the cost yet. It isn't a complete desktop in a box like Windows is. Sure, StarOffice is good, but it's just good..not GREAT. It's well worth a few hundred dollars per user to give them Office.
If I don't give my users easy to use software that lets them get their job done I get fired. No one cares about free software unless it offers the same ease of use for less money. If it's the same TCO there is no reason to switch, it has to be BETTER and CHEAPER. Right now it might be cheaper but it sure isn't better.
For now Linux stays in my data center.