RE: Linux at work (real world)

["Gilger.John" <JGilger -at- acresgaming -dot- com>]

I think that when you talk about usability and learning curves you need
to differentiate between users (most TW types) and admin (the IT gang).

The admin, obviously, is not the same as a Windows system and has a
learning curve, like any new OS would have. The distinguishing factor
between Linux and other POSIX-compliant unices is that it was originally
designed to run on Intel X86 chips.

There isn't really that much of a learning curve for a reasonably
competent user. Nearly all of the X-Windows desktop managers are simple
enough to use, especially for the typical tech writer that like to poke
and prod amongst the menu options and gui buttons. KDE and GNOME are
both slick and very user-friendly. It isn't too hard to learn how to
customize them just the way you want them. If you want, FVMW95 gives you
a desktop that looks and acts just like Win95. The applications (KWord,
StarOffice, etc.) are just as easy to use as any on a Windows or Mac.

Unfortunately, since MS invested in Corel, they are no longer supporting
Linux. However, if you ask around you can still find WordPerfect 2000
for Linux on CDs.

Linux is ready for the desktop. SuSE and KDE are my personal choice, but
there are lots of compatible choices out there. 

Too bad the company I work for wants to be a Microsoft Partner.

John

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