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I manage this Web site and the following Web sites: Leslie (Blakeley) Adkins - my oldest daughter
Lori Ann Blakeley (June 20, 1985 - May 4, 2005) - my middle daughter
Evan Blakeley- my youngest child
Microsoft Windows or Linux desktop?
Monday, February 02, 2004
Well, all things are not the same for all people. If your focus is on the end user then it seems to me that Windows applications is the better choice right now.
Even Mr. Matthew Szulik, RedHat Linux's chief executive, stated that for most consumers Windows is the right choice, for now:
"I would say that for the consumer market place, Windows probably continues to be the right product line," he said. "I would argue that from the device-driver standpoint and perhaps some of the other traditional functionality, for that classic consumer purchaser, it is my view that (Linux) technology needs to mature a little bit more."
(http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/linuxunix/0,39020390,39117575,00.htm)
Over the last several months I have spent considerable time working with the Linux server and desktop operating systems for the first time. I have come to appreciate the basic functional capabilities of the Linux operating system. I am also intrigued by the possibilities of saving licensing costs, especially with email service and staying away from being "locked-in" to Microsoft.
Here's an interesting statement attributed to Microsoft's executive, Mr. Steve Balmer:
"While the noncommercial model may lead to many flavors of software, getting broad, consistent innovation requires coordination across many technology components. In the event of needed enhancements or fixes, the Linux development community, no matter how well intentioned, simply cannot advance Linux the way we can--and must--innovate in Windows," Ballmer wrote.
(http://news.com.com/2100-1016-1013124.html?tag=nl).
There may be situtations where it makes sense to use both systems in your business. Neither one does everything better than the other. Maybe you only need basic plain-jane document creation and email functionality, then Linux may be a viable alternative to consider. But, there's no question in my mind that from a desktop standpoint (and remote devices) the Windows desktop applications currently available are far more advanced. That's what I use most - the desktop. It seems to me that the differences between the two appear to converge closer together at the server level. But don't forget, , with Linux you are going to need to have someone available that is familiar with installation, maintaining, and troubleshooting. And, again, if you are very dependent on the Windows desktop applications, especially Outlook, then the Windows system is a better choice. In fact, it would not surprise me to see Microsoft merge Outlook into its server product in the future. However, I have used and learned several really good email clients and email server programs out there for the Linux.
So, it really boils down to purchasing products that can do "your" job at hand, cheaper. By using and learning the Linux operating system I am impressed with it and believe it is a good, stable, and reliable system for use (and for you "do-it-yourself" users, CHEAP). Having a choice is very refreshing. If you find yourself paying for functionalites you don't need with Windows then by all means - take a good look at Linux. It really is a good operating system.
For further information see the following paper: Desktop Linux Technology & Market Overview (desktop-linux-overview.pdf), Open Source Application Foundation, Bart Decrem, dated July 10, 2003.