Quote:
Originally Posted by Highstream  Hi Kev,
I have to disagree with the comment on the OS being a tool for different jobs. The fact is the Operating System is the basis for what you want to do. Not the specific software you need to do it. Even in a Domain controller environment it's not the workstation OS that is the "Tool".
Cheers, |
I Think Hamish was just trying to explain in certain terms and talk in non IT terms. I know exactly what your saying, but when you consider Linux and Unix are used in certain scenario's because they do things well or better than you can consider them as a tool. Regardless hairs to be split
I am a person who loves open source. However in business I make decisions based on risk. My biggest is that unless you are an expert or surrounded by experts to support a foreign product or service that’s not an industry standard then it could be more trouble than its worth.
Now this is far from saying Microsoft is reliable and bagging the others. Its not the case. Unix is the hidden god few people talk about which I’m hoping one day Microsoft will jump on board with its core, like Linux and osx(mac) which imo are more stable but often not as user friendly simply because they are unknown and not the norm, not because they are more difficult to use. In fact most Linux people would scare you if you knew the tricks they can do and how their OS is setup. But we are talking about people who take the time to tweak and don't just sit down and operate "what they know".
However Microsoft have come a long way. In the past 4-5 years of running the most hated operating system "Vista" from its first release and small business server 2003 and Eset Smart security with Symantec backup exec we have had no viruses or spyware issues like the old days. Yes drivers were an issue back then, but mainly due to us running 64bit and the office at the time having old equipment. Our new office(2years old) runs 64bit vista and W7 and we have had few software crashes other than to be expected with Autodesk products/adobe. There has been no server downtime and the only issue we have had is a dead motherboard and HDD in separate workstations which considering is minimal and normal due to manufactures purposeful shoddy products.
We never have to stop and think about supporting other businesses software and if they will support us. Unfortunately Microsoft is the "standard" and whilst my heart is to OSX I find playing the game is a lot easier. We also find small businesses who work with us using open source or cheap shoddy CAD applications whilst can work are usually full of problems, limitations and the list goes on. I know every time we get an inferior file from a potential client our eye's roll, our heads bang and understandably they are just trying to make a living like us. All the same, it happens and it disrupts our business.
I like the support we get on subscription software from adobe and Autodesk. Finding good resellers is the key again to assist with any issues that arise rather than waiting for forum replies and hoping for the best. However after years of using web developers we decided to use open source with Joomla without regrets. Having said that, many late nights were required, so it depends what you value your time at also. I also use Firefox for most of our users at work. I give them the choice of browser however most have fallen in love with FF with some exceptions to chrome.
You only need one important business application not to run on Linux for it to be a burden. No one wants to run VM or emulators in a business environment esp with resource heavy applications. All businesses are different and if you know what you need and can way up the risk.
I realise maybe a bit OT, but just discussing why I don't use open source OS and say open office at work or even some of our production applications. It’s not because I like MS, but sometimes it’s easier to play the game. Managing change in a business is hard enough.
So I like previous comments from Hamish and Kev discussing that there is no one size fits all solution for anyone or any business. Keep your mind open, and if you can close the wallet, do so.
Just my 2 cents.
Re: Microsoft or Open Source? 
