Desktop Linux Sliding in Under the Radar?

Paul Johnson asks: "This article at ComputerWorld describes a sysadmin's discovery that many people in his company are installing Linux on their desktops without consulting IT. The writer is concerned with the security implications, but there is a wider issue. At present the 'official' penetration of Linux into the desktop market is something around 1%. The writer of this article doesn't give figures, but it sounds like he may have stumbled on several times that percentage of desktop Linux installations. If so then this is an important trend. Linux got its foot in the datacentre door in exactly the same way a few years ago, with unofficial installations doing odd server jobs. If you are a sysadmin, in an organization that runs Windows on the desktop, have you stumbled on many unofficial Linux installations?"

Comments

Green Grass.

[Anonymous Coward]

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. I can't imagine a bunch of fools installing linux on their own and getting everything to work. That's why we have Windows, so fools can work with it, and all choices are made, no education necessary. I'm using Debian 2.2 now, with Galeon and WvDial on a homebuilt box. Yes, but I love problems and bugs to solve, and have nothing better to do than prowl around Slashdot, looking for places to give my 2 cents worth. If I had real work to do, then I would use XP, and since I'd be getting a salary for said work, then I could afford it. Only problem I have with XP is too much play-time stuff. Who can spend all day listening to music and playing DVD movies?

Re:Now that's one of those Ask Slashdots even I ca

[appler]

How are we supposed to have an intellectually enriching conversation with someone who doesn't even understand adverbs?

Re:This is unexpected?

[Anonymous Coward]

Spy on you? I think you mean, "making sure I'm doing work" since you're not on your own time as soon as you step into the office or clock in or whatever. You're getting paid to do work, and it makes sense that your employer will be checking to make sure you're actually doing it. I'm sure you'll be fired for reading Slashdot before you have a chance to turn in your resignation.

uh... ok

[Simkin1]

well... first off, I'm SO embarassed for you. Seriously... that's the dumbest load of crap I've ever seen in response to a comment... I imagine that you're a 30 year old dork who still plays with his d&d dolls and is a member of that moronic society that goes out and practices sword fighting... ... simply embarrassing...

Just an Idea..

[kfuq]

Take all the money you would pay for all that m$ licensing and hire some ** COMPETENT ** IT personell with some.. uhh i dunno.. BRAINS??

Send all those stupid, button pushing id10ts to the unemployment line..

let the people with some brains take a turn for a while...