Linux or XP for business?

[aprilsagar]

There is much of Buzz of Linux OS than windows. It is said Linux is much more reliable than XP and better efficiency than windows XP or vista( vista is actually a f**k).But problem with me using linux is that not all of my applications and softwares are running in linux.They just run fine in XP.Any fix for that?

[superbike]

What applications or softwares you are using?. I think the better answer is to change your applications or software to linux compatible.

But, if you are using another applications not campatible with linux such as biometric verification (Most of biometric devices not supported by linux)... i think you should think twice before using linux

[pendelton]

As superbike asked, what software? There is WINE for Linux that runs all of the win stuff I want to run perfectly.

Plus you can convert to using open source software that is, overall, better than anything MS or Corel has. There are over 18,000 packages for the Debian install I am currently using, and I have almost 10% installed and I have everything I need to run practically any business, especially an online one.

[wendywen]

Linux is also much more stable and with enhanced security. Using Linux also means that you don't have to pay for the licensing fee and that could mean a lot of savings for your business.

[akamai3d]

I think when it comes to Linux, the most important advantage it has over other OS is that it is free to use without any obligations. It is powerful compared to XP and once you get the feel of the system, it will just be easy. Maybe one of the best features worth mentioning here is the excellent network capability.

In terms of software and applications issue, just look for one which is based on Linux and I think there are dozens of these free software around.

[genX]

Yeah this problem is faced by me too......
but linux OS is much more efficient and safer than Windows due to it's strong kernel..... Someone told me that linux compatible softwares are also available but couldn't find the site...... If someone knows the site..please tell.....

[pendelton]

Look at this post here (http://www.businessadviceforum.com/showpost.php?p=1560&postcount=2) genX. I have it at the bottom, WINE and CrossOver both allow you to run Windows programs on a Linux box. Being an open source freak I won't buy CrossOver, but I do use WINE, and it does work with a lot of programs.

Wendy, you have the right idea there, start up costs in terms of software can be a killer.

Plus, on a *Unix box you can do your own design work and have it act as the server. Not good for a live site, unless you can get your home set up as a data center, but great for making your own themes for wordpress, Joomla, or any other good open source blog or CMS.

[d1976]

LInux and xp both are best for use.

[prudence]

i m also agreed on linux bec this OS has many effective and easy to use
so linux..............

[harshads]

I will recommend you to go for Linux operating system only because it is much convenient to a business user.
Linux provides good security than windows for sure and businessman always prefers security first from any other options.
You can use Linux as well as windows on your system so that will be better option for you.

[wormy]

I guess it just breaks down to choices,

* Linux is free but Windows requires a hefty license fee for each PC.

* Linux is not as widespread as Windows so there is a lot of time lost with most people in getting used to Linux.

* Windows generally has software which is easier to use than Linux. The MS Office suite for example is the standard of the business world while Open Office can't do everything MS Office can do, example powerpoint. If you already know office then there goes some more time wasted.

* Linux can be upgraded easily without having to buy new hardware. MS on the other hand uses sneaky tricks to ensure that with each upgrade of Windows you generally need to buy new hardware.


The bottom line is, if you want to cut corners go with Linux and drop Windows to save money. If you are technically adept or have no fear of learning new technology go with Linux. If not then stick with Windows or be prepared of frustration.

[pendelton]

wormy, you forgot to add

* Linux can use all your MS programs with WINE or CrossOver.

* Linux has a desktop just like Windows, several types you can try to see which you like.

Linux is not about cutting corners, it can be about saving money. Windows can be just as frustrating, given the newest OS MS has placed on the market, and, if you are wanting to avoid BSODs Linux is the choice to make.

Linux is about true flexibility, using a wide range of formats, including windows types, better use of your computers resources (CPU & RAM), and the freedom to not be stuck with one program, or set of programs.

[wormy]

You have a point there pendleton, I forgot about Wine. Personally I use vmware to run windows software within a Windows virtual machine so technically I am running Windows the OS in parallel with Linux so I did not mention it buy yeah, with Wine you are no longer running anything close to a full fledged windows OS.

I forgot to add that one place Linux really shines is as a server for e-commerce and webhosting. The savings in this role are incredible and most people are already aware that the majority of websites do not use Windows as their server OS.

Also, even in a medium to large business setting it is possible to use Linux as a file server with the SAMBA addon, which is free of course. And it just occured to me that if a business is struck by a virus attack, regardless if they are running windows or linux they can immediately boot from a live CD such as Knoppix and access the net from there. Does Microsoft produce anything for the home or office user even close to a live or rescue CD? Nope. And technically you cannot even make your windows livecd in a business without violating the windows license.

Linux definitely does have a lot of flexibility and power, especially if you are more technically adept than average.

[pendelton]

I doubt most people realize that their sites are on Linux boxes, all they see is the control panel. A reason why Linux hosting is cheaper than Windows is the cost difference between the OSs.

I keep forgetting about vmware, glad you brought it up.

[BlueEew]

I have always used XP over Linux. I have never used Linux so I cannot actually say weather if it is better or not. However I can say. XP works fine for me. :)

[pendelton]

XP works fine for me. :)

And that is all that really matter. If your OS works for what you want it to do why change?

[rachael24]

Linux no doubt.

[Slacker]

Yep as said before, linux is more stable and provides better security than windows does

[toch3]

recommend u to use XP,cause it been widely used and compatible with so many 3rd party software...

For Vista,do remember if you installed any software base on previous OS..do right click and Run as Administrator...it should run fine after that..

[lokesh05]

i didn't Vista any good than XP! rather i would say to stay away from it for the time-being and continue using XP!

Linux is spreading around the world, with many people realizing it's long-term benefits (FREE FREE FREE). but let's face it, once you start using windows, it's difficult to switch over to Linux!

[falguni1]

I will recommend linux it is cheap and reliable, being open source, the bugs are fixed soon.

[TheOnlyOne92]

Personally I prefer windows but I don't really know. When I usually go to buy some things and I take a peek at the computer in the store I see everyone using Windows. I think in business, more than 90% of the companies/stores, in my country, use Windows.

[pendelton]

That is only because it is easy to do that way, if a store offered computers with Linux as they do Windows based systems you would probably see a change.

[devilbatista]

You can chose any O.S. for business either it's Linux or Xp or anything others. If that O.S. is better and easy to do business then you will chose that. Currently I am using Xp and It's easy to use and run the business for me.

[deepak_sharma]

I am not a big fan of Linux as compared to windows due to its userfriendly nature.But when it comes to business i would prefer linux as it is free.Secondly it supports many software free.