Our office has a small network of 4 computers all using MS Win 98. Peer to peer, I believe.

I would like to convert our entire system to Linux, however I am not sure that I can as we are heavily entrenched in Quickbooks Pro 2004.

In basic terms what are my options to utilize as much Linux as possible in our network, and how do I go about gaining the knowledge necessary to affect such a change?


Should we use a Linux machine as a server only? If so will the Windows machines be able to share files?

Sorry to ask such basic questions?

I would suggest taking a two pronged approach.

On the Windows 98 side, start by installing some of the Open Source apps that are available for both Windows 98 and Linux, such as Open Office, GIMP, and Mozilla. This means that when your employees start to use Linux, they'll already have some familiarity with the applications. This will make switching less traumatic for your staff.

On the Linux side, start with the server. The keyword here is Samba, which is a program for connecting a Linux server to Windows file and print-sharing facilities. If installed properly, all the Windows boxes should connect transparently to the server.

I also think the IceWM windowmanager is good for people switching from Windows. You can pair it the Nautilus file/icon manager and have a very Windows-like combination.

There's a huge collection of files on the subject here:

http://www.grokdoc.net/index.php/Switching_to_Linux

Alex

If you are considering a complete overhaul (albeit on only four machines), this is a major thing. You probably want to start by get your hands on another computer - hopefully around the same spec but not necessary. Machines around 200Mhz are fairly easy to come by in England anyway, hopefully you shouldn't have any problems getting some for you.

Install linux on that machine and try to install the right programs to ensure the machine is useable for internal office use. If you cannot do this, there is no point switching your Win98 machines over, since your colleagues are not going to be able to use the programs they require. Try and get a colleague to use that machine for a day and see if s/he can use the machine effectively and productively.

That should get you started - the best way to learn linux is in the deep end, don't get put off straight away. Since you're going to be using linux properly, you should get a distro that you are actually going to learn something on. If you want my advise, stay away from distros such as Mandrake or RedHat, since these in my opinion are geared to wards home users who don't really want to learn about the technical side of linux. An OS such as slackware is tougher to learn but will force you to become a technical linux user. Or someone who can't stand linux. One of the two :)

Good luck!

Agreed. Definitely build a test machine first.

Alex