[NTLUG:Discuss] Linux newbie has a few questions

[Greg Edwards]

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


> 
> 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


Geoff,

IMHO, if your not going to run Windows games on your hardware you can
setup your entire operation to run Linux Workstations and Servers
without a single Windows machine.  I would recommend that any employee
that needs any Windows programs (since several programs don't have Linux
native replacements) have a workstation with VMWare installed.  VMWare
is a virtual machine that allows you to run guest OSes on a Linux
workstation.  For the most part games don't work but business tools work
just as well (sometimes better) than on native Win9x.

This is the way I'm setup.  While accounting and IE (for testing) tools
are really the only Windows programs I use in the office, at the house
we use about about a dozen Windows apps including Printshop, Quicken,
and Corel Office.  I use Samba to network VMWare into both the host its
running on and the LAN.

For your web developers there is a huge advantage to having a Linux WS
vs Win WS as they can each run their own web server for unit testing
without competing for resources or big $$$ test beds.  Having some
machines with VMWare will allow you to test IE as well as Netscape from
1 workstation.

Firewall and proxy are naturals, with Linux, although I prefer running a
TA that provides NAT and routing for me, JMO.

Not sure where you can find a store where you can walk in and see a
workstation running Linux.  As mentioned in another response, come to
the NTLUG meeting to learn how to do an install and see a live system.

Also, don't jump off a cliff getting an entire office up and running on
Linux cause there is a learning curve if you've never done UNIX or Linux
admin work before.  If you've got budget get a contractor or employee to
do the install and start training.

-- 
Greg Edwards
New Age Software, Inc.
http://www.nas-inet.com