Replace Windows systems with Linux Systems

The simplest way to test Open Source Software, and save $300 or more (per computer), is by installing Open Office on your Windows desktop computers. The City of Austin, Texas, the State of Massachusetts, and the governments in Brazil, Israel and South Africa have all switched to Open Office recently, with annual savings in the thousands of dollars.

The next step is to try Linux as your desktop system, and save $150 or more (per computer). The quality of Linux desktop systems has improved greatly in the last year, with major corporate backing from IBM, HP and Novell for more improvements. Once again, this is free to install, and if you need support you can purchase agreements from the major Linux providers.

Your company may already be using Linux for mail servers and web servers. Over 80% of the email traffic on the web uses Linux systems for routing and delivering email messages today. In fact, the core software used to send mail is Open Source. If your company hasn't replaced its Windows servers with Linux servers, it is probably spending a lot of money unnecessarily. Consider migrating to Open Source Software systems.

Here are some links to Projects and Services dedicated to helping you move to Linux:

• Migrating from Windows to Linux —Tom's Hardware Guide, March 29, 2004
• Migrating From Windows To Linux, Part 2: Installation —Tom's Hardware Guide, April 12, 2004
• Linux Terminal Server Project (LTSP) -- Why spend $1,000 for a new computer, when you can put an entire desktop system together for only $300? Better yet, reuse old computers for free with this lightweight, efficient software.
• K12 Linux Terminal Server Project is a direct implementation of LTSP in schools.
• Linux on Laptops -- This is an index of information and documentation of interest to those who now use or are considering using the Linux operating system on a notebook or laptop computer.
• LinuxCertified Inc. -- Get Linux training and certification