Hello to everyone!

I feel a bit cheeky asking this but since I've been ploughing through google for what feels like a millenia.....

I have a college assignment <no wait! come back!> to put a network into a new school, part of which is to compare two OS. I've pretty much done the rest but our lecturer seems to be pushing us down the linux road and I know nowt about it!

What I need to know is what's better\worse about linux in comparison to say win2003 with a particular view on networking and what distro would be best implemented into a school?

I understand that Samba lets you use win apps and I know Red Hat have a pay for linux with support (with Samba bundled?)

Can anyone provide me with a few pros and cons (just bullet points) or give me some url's which might help!

Again, I know this is probably a bit of a cheek, but I'm getting desperate!

Thanks!

A few pros and cons...

Before mentioning anything, what is the network going to be used for?

Are there existing Windows client machines? Or are there certain Windows programs that are required to run?

The most cost-effective solution for a network would be to have a whole bunch of thin clients networked to a powerful server.

Are they new computers or old?

No, Samba does not let you run Windows programs; it allows you to view files on Windows machines over a network. Wine lets you (mostly) run Windows programs.

If you're planning on doing OS comparisons, are you installing part Linux and part Windows desktops?

Linux Pros:
- Your server will crash a lot less often.
- Cheaper. Especially if you run thin clients
- Not prone to viruses.
- Runs better than Windows on older hardware.
- (Runs better than Windows on newer hardware).

Linux Cons:
- It is unfamiliar to you, therefore will be harder to set up.
- Certain programs intended for Windows may or may not run properly, (but there will most likely be an alternative written for Linux, and the ones that don't will most likely be able to run under Wine or CrossOver Office et al.)
- Certain hardware may be incompatible. Mostly everything is supported, but if you were to, say, get a printer, you better make sure it works in Linux. (Mine doesn't. Yet. )

Thanks for that! Someone else has mailed me and also pointed out my error regarding Samba (I'm very glad I asked now!) Was also pointed out that such questions are forboden on this site - so I apologise for breaking the rules with my very first post!

There is no existing network to be replace, however, being a school, I guess they'll want to run MS stuff as well. I intend to have a couple of file\print servers and a mail sever (which don't have to be specified in this exercise). They won't currently be connected to the outside world.

Am I right in thinking the CrossOver Office lets you run MS office on linux platform?

Thanks for your help!
Barmybint

Quote:

Am I right in thinking the CrossOver Office lets you run MS office on linux platform?

yes it does. but if you decide to use linux on your workstations, consider the OpenOffice suite:

www.openoffice.org

quote:
Someone else has mailed me and also pointed out my error regarding Samba (I'm very glad I asked now!) Was also pointed out that such questions are forboden on this site - so I apologise for breaking the rules with my very first post!

No, these types of questions are not forbidden on this site. This thread might be sent to another forum, but that would be the extent of it. No apologies neccesary. If you use the search button, you will find many threads about the differences between linux and windows. I have not used 2003, so I cannot help you there.
And welcome.

Hey if your thinking of choosing a distro look in www.distrowatch.com
it briefly tells you allthedistro available.
And also personally ifyou are willing to learn and also not bothered about doingthe installing ur self then Iwould strongly suggest Slackware.
Although some peoplewouldsay that it is not for newbies,many people just say that it makes you learn.

well, here's where to get the iso's of your choise anyway; www.linuxiso.org