[NTLUG:Discuss] Linux newbie has a few questions

[Geoff Staples]

Here's my situation. I've been in the computer business as a programmer,
systems designer, newsletter owner, project manager, and CIO.

In my present re-incarnation, I have just started a new web hosting company
(www.HostGod.com). We specialize in PHP and mySQL website development. So, I
am now a PHP and mySQL developer. (Haven't got a clue about Perl, but I'm
pretty good with PHP, Java, ASP, ColdFusion, and other tools that we use!)
Our servers are in Canada and run freeBSD. Our focus is PHP and mySQL rather
then the other tools mentioned (even though we do development in those areas
as well.)

The above is to give you a context for the questions I'm going to ask.

Currently, we are running a Windows NT Server / MS BackOffice server. I want
to replace this with a Linux server that will be used for the following:

Run Linux, Apache, PHP, and mySQL to be used as a web development tool.

This will NOT be used to test software that supports web-hosting. It WILL be
used to develop and test websites.

I would also like to use this machine as Proxy Server and Firewall for
Internet access by our entire LAN.

All of the above seems to me to be pretty straight forward, although I'm
sure I'll have questions about which software to use.

NOW THE ACTUAL QUESTIONS!

Should I use Linux boxes as programmer development workstations or should
the developers machines run Windows 2000 pro?

Given general office administrative functions, is it realistic to get rid of
ALL of our Windows machines for clerical / administrative personnel?

Or, do I need to keep Windows on the desktops of admin folks?

If I continue with Windows for website developers and for administrative
staff, should I be using Linux for anything other then servers?

FINALLY,

(And I know you will find this unbelievable) But, I've never actually seen a
Linux machine, much lest played with one. Where can I go to see an actual
Linux workstation, well outfitted with Linux software so that I can get an
idea of what the touch and feel of a Linux system is?

WELL, THIS REALLY IS THE FINAL ITEM:

If I need to give developers and/or administrative personnel access to both
Linux and Windows, can I get by with dual boot machines or do I need to put
two workstations at the desks of those that need access to both Linux and
Windows?

Thank you in advance for any wisdom you may willing to share!

Geoff Staples
www.HostGod.com
3883 Turtle Creek Blvd., Suite 1812
Dallas, Texas    75219-4432
214.599.0260