[NTLUG:Discuss] Linux newbie has a few questions

[kbrannen@gte.net]

Besides the excellent advice from Greg and Travis, maybe I can add a thought
or two...

Geoff Staples wrote:
> 
...
> This will NOT be used to test software that supports web-hosting. It WILL be
> used to develop and test websites.

Basically what I do, except that I use Java and a variety of servers...

...
> 
> NOW THE ACTUAL QUESTIONS!
> 
> Should I use Linux boxes as programmer development workstations or should
> the developers machines run Windows 2000 pro?

Generally speaking, just use Linux.  Someone already mentioned the testing
aspect.  Also consider who you hire.  If they have a Windows only background
and are "stuck on those IDEs", you may want to keep a few Windows machines
around to make them happy and more productive.  But IMO, the software you want
to use works best on Unix, so give each developer a Linux machine so s/he can
have a full enviroment (Apache, mysql, ...) to themselves.  An "average"
machine can handle this quite reasonably with Linux, but will drag big-time
with the same resources under Windows.

> 
> 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?

Unfortunately, probably yes.

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

Use Linux as much as possible (save licensing fees), but be sure it is
appropiate for that job.  There are a few places where Windows makes more
sense (the clerical/admin folks perhaps).

> 
> 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?

Download or go buy a Linux CD and install it on a machine to try it for
yourself.  Hands on is the best way to find out.  Certainly your company (or
you yourself) has an "older" PC around that can be "sacrificed" for trial
purposes; yes?!  Or install an extra disk drive in your current desktop and
try it out that way.

> 
> 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?

VMWare has already been mentioned.  It's worked reasonably well for me.  There
are other emulators out there.  Dual boot will work, but try to do that on as
few machines as possible; it's a hassle unless you really need to.  I dual
boot because my company requires Win2K on our work machines, but I boot into
Linux about 95% of the time as I'm so much more productive there (and don't
have to worry about all those stupid virii passed around).

HTH,
Kevin