Are you truly a M$ desktop alternative?

[Chris]

Aaron Benson wrote:
> Hi,
>  
> Centralised admin is my primary concern. User perspective is obviously
> functionality.
> Anyway....
> I've decided the best course of action to save money for the company is
> to run a kickarse Microsft 2K3 server Terminal Server, then use "SOME
> SORT" of ULinux OS to run on the client machine with a compatible TS
> client like rdesktop, PXES etc. possibly including a combo with LTSP,
> Rdesktop and Wilisystem if I want an EPROM diskless total boot from
> ULinux workstation desktop to W2K3 Terminal Server without user
> interaction.
> The question is, out of all the ULinux flavours, which one should I run
> which costs nothing or very little and will last for 4-6years in that
> time period? "Very little" equates to somewhat less than running Windows
> XP for a similar period. 
> Cost savings include at least virus scanners and significant patch
> updates from Microsoft. Of course I'd rather update a single server than
> around 500 workstations both LAN and VPN remote machines. Virus
> signatures, multiple Microsoft patches etc. can be avoided.
> Reminder is I'm used to using XP. Our users range from Windows NT
> 4.0,Windows 2000 Pro and Windows XP. Based on a decent TS client, this
> shouldn't matter anyway.
> Your advice appreciated.
>  
> Regards
>  
> Aaron Benson
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Aaron Benson [mailto:ab72 at optushome.com.au] 
> Sent: Saturday, 24 July 2004 10:19 PM
> To: 'freebsd-questions at FreeBSD.org'
> Subject: Are you truly a M$ desktop alternative?
> 
> 
> 
> Hi,
>  
> This email is going to any Linux house whom has pitched themselves via
> their websites and reviews, from my research as being possible
> alternatives to XP at this stage. Depends on your Google hit and
> thereafter (if found within 2 pages) site FAQ's I suppose.
>  
> As a currently dedicated M$ house (apart from Oracle Databases),  we
> question the move to a XP desktop amid the Linux hype in recent times.
> Any IT department trying to save company money is only doing the right
> thing and ask the question, what can Linux do for us?
>  
> I've flipped through your FAQ's and over forums but result in no answer
> for Active Directory 2K3 and Exchange 2K3 server client connectivity,
> integration and functionality? Note that we have not moved to these
> product versions yet. Hence this email.
>  
> I ask because I cannot see a server based centralised authentication and
> administrative option in Linux. If there were, say a "centralised server
> option" for Linux, this would be seriously considered. Is there a User
> Manager equivalent (NT4 domain for example) or Exchange Administrator
> equivalent (Exchange 5.5) "functional" alternative? More importantly,
> 2K3 Server and Exchange integration?
>  
> Failing that, connecting clients as above to M$ servers would be
> sufficient. Stay with M$ in servers, go with Linux in desktops. I've
> seen enough "glossy brochures" and want to know the facts.
>  
> The cost difference is obvious. The functional difference is not. I've
> still no reason to choose your Linux over Windows XP Pro at this stage.
> Cost is not enough. Any sane IT department doesn't need screaming users
> due to lack of pure functionality. Experience suggests most find it
> difficult enough getting around the OS to even perform basic functions,
> let alone usability.
>  
> Assuming aforementioned functionality, where does your Linux stand with
> converting between M$ Office 97/2K/2K3? Will our accounts department be
> able to work with their previous 40Mb Excel files full of VLookups and
> Formulas straightup, or is it going to be bigger than a Lotus 4.1 to
> Excel 5 conversion debacle?
> Of course Word,PowerPoint,Publisher and Access are questioned also.
>  
> I'm talking up to 500 user desktops to be upgraded. Upgraded need not be
> a literal word. Installing Linux from scratch would be expected.
> Anything "upgrade wise" extra would be a bonus.
>  
> Outside of M$ Office, current application functionality would have to be
> trialed. This is expected. A list of currently supported M$ applications
> would be helpful.

WHY are you asking what flavor of Lunix to run on a FreeBSD list?
Subscribe to a Linux list and ask there.

-- 
Best regards,
Chris

-- 
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