[[NTLUG:Discuss] Linux newbie has a few questions]

[tjbell@usa.net]

A little background on where I'm coming from in response:  I have used php
with mysql to develop two websites myself.  They're both hosted on Linux
machines, and they were both developed on Linux machines.  That said,
here's my $0.02:


<snip>

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

Why spend the money on Win2k when you can do it for free on Linux.  Your
productivity for this kind of development will be about the same on both
I'm guessing.  I don't see Win2k having any kind of advantage for your
developers.

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

I would keep some of the Windows machines for two reasons:

1) As you mentioned, some of the clerical/administrative personnel may be
able to function better and more productively in an environment they are
more familiar with.  Unfortunately that means Windows.  Especially if they
will be trading MS Office documents with others outside of the company.

2) TESTING!!  Unfortunatly, the same code doesn't always turn out to look
the same on Windows vs. Linux.  I've seen the same webpage look different
in Netscape for Linux than Netscape for Windows.  You should have a couple
of Windows machines for testing so that you know your site looks the same
everywhere.

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

Your server admins need to be able to function on the same platform that's
hosting, so I'd stick with Linux.

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

As i said above, I'd use Linux for developers and server admins just
because there's no reason not to.  You definately have the right idea on
Linux for the servers.  Clerical, administrative, and testing are the only
things I can think of for Windows.

> 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?

I'm sure you can see a setup at one of the NTLUG meetings.

> 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?

That probably depends on how many of them there are and how often they
need to switch back and forth.  For testing, they should probably be
different machines.  Rebooting gets old...FAST.  Besides, you can't brag
about your Linux uptime when you're rebooting all the time!!  ;-)
An alternative to separate machines might be VNC.  Go to google.com and
put "VNC" as your search.  If you hit "I Feel Lucky" you'll get the right
site...I can't think of the URL offhand.

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

No problem.

--
Travis Bell  a.k.a.  MudPoet
echo tjbexx at usa.nyz | tr xyz let
ICQ: 6014042  AIM: MudPoet


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