Win98 vs. Linux

Linux works fine but the average user can't use it. Even users who have computers at home will need training for Linux. In addition, it may be difficult to swap files with the outside world - Yes, I know Star Office is MS Office Compatible. I havenever heard of Linux being used beyond as a server, a computer for a techie, or by an avid anti-Microsofter.

There is nothing really wrong with moving to Linux. I'd like to move my own office to linux, but that will have to wait a while. But i think you want to know the reasons not to. Well, this is what I've found:

1) Support. There are not a lot of consultants or service/support organizations. this is changing slowly, but if you have a problem, it may be tough to find someone that knows enough to fix/solve your problem in a timely manner.

2) As the first answer stated, training (and general usage). Linux is first a command driven program. There are GUI's to make it more user-friendly, and they're not too hard to figure out, but someone with knowledge has to set that up and be able to provide desktop support. The staff will need a lot for a while.

3) SW compatability. If you need software to do a task, or somekind of utility, it's pretty simple to run to CompUSA or go online to CDW or whoever and order what you need. There is not a lot of SW available for Linux yet.

4) HW compatability. You'll have to examine every piece of HW on your network to make sure there is a Linux driver available, or it will be useless. That's every video card, sound card, NIC, printer, modem, etc. That's a big job in itself.

Whew. All that said, I wouldn't be afraid to move to Linux. This entire industry changes every 6 months. Learning new skills and changing technology are part of the job.
Good luck.

I fough this for years, BUT, my brother has shown me its not that bad. He has set up several companies on Linux Desktop's with Star Office , and Netscape Navigator, Once you Understand How it works it becomes as second nature as the MS products and as for communicating and sharing files with the outside world, It's seemless. It saves files in a "DOC or XLS" format so there are no real problems, I am NOT a Linux advocate but the only damage it ususaly does is to our ego by pulling us out of our safe zone...
for support try www.linuxcare.com

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