Questions:

Linux

1. What is Linux?
   
2. How does Linux differ from Windows™?
   
3. Will my Windows™ programs run on Linux?
   
4. What does Linux cost? Are there licensing fees?
   
5. How can I try Linux?
   

Windows™

1. How can I protect my computer from viruses?
   
2. Should I upgrade my computer to the newest version of Windows or just buy a new computer?
   
3. What is the best way to keep my computer up to date?
   

Networking

1. How can I get the computers in my business to use email and/or the internet?
   
2. Can I control which computers access the internet?
   
3. Is it safe to have computers connected to the internet?
   
4. How can I convert from dial-up to high-speed internet?
   

Answers:

Linux

 
1. What is Linux? -
   Linux is an Operating System - the software that makes a computer work. Linux was developed over the last 15 years - first as a school project - then as a world-wide cooperative development involving thousands of developers. Today, it serves more web pages than any other operating system in the world and is in use at thousands of businesses, universities, and governments all over the world. Although it was primarily used for servers it has, with the addition of a graphical user interface (GUI) become a viable workstation alternative for many businesses.

 
2. How does Linux differ from Windows™? -
   

   There are some similarities between Windows™ and Linux, particularly in the way that they are used. The user sees a "desktop" complete with icons and a taskbar. Applications are started with the click of a mouse and operation is intuitive - particularly if the person has already used a computer. If you read email, view web pages, and edit documents or spreadsheets then Linux is quick to learn and easy to use.

   The primary advantage to using Linux is quality and choice.

   Linux software is robust and secure. There are far fewer "crashes" and security breaches than with Windows™ systems - improving productivity and user satisfaction. Common computer virus or worm programs do not effect Linux like they do Windows™ systems.

   Choice.


 
3. Will my Windows™ programs run on Linux? -
   The short answer is "No or Maybe". The longer answer... Because Linux and Windows™ are different operating systems they cannot normally execute programs written for the other. There are two qualified exceptions to this rule. First, there is a Linux program called "Wine" that allows some Windows programs to run in Linux. The selection of compatable programs is limited and some of the programs can run but have some problems that limit their usefulness. There are several options for those that still run DOS programs. There are two projects, DOSEmu and DosBox, that allow some DOS programs to run on a Linux system. Again, the selection is not great and some programs don't work 100%.
   
   The good news is that, for many applications, you don't have to run a Windows™ or DOS™ program... there is an alternative (or several) that are already available in Linux. See this list of applications for Linux to see if your favorite application has a Linux compatable alternative. This list is incomplete, contact us if you don't see something you want and we'll research it for you.

 
4. What does Linux cost? Are there licensing fees? -
   The Linux kernel software is free - but the kernel software by itself is not a functional operating system. To make a complete system there is considerable additional software required. Fortunately, there are companies and groups that do this and release it to the public as a distribution which can then be installed and run.
   The cost of distributions varies from free to hundreds of dollars and come with varying levels of support - from zero to 24/7/365 enterprise support.
 
5. How can I try Linux? -
   There are several "CD only" Linux distributions that can run on an existing computer without changing your current software or data! Two distributions that we showcase are "Mandrake Move" and Knoppix. If you'd like a glimpse of what Linux can do... this is the way to go! Contact us if you're in the area and would like to "test drive" the latest Linux on one a computer you already have!

Windows

1. How can I protect my computer from viruses? -
   The best defense against computer virus attacks is two-fold: first ensure you have superior software to protect your system and, second, be personally on guard when it comes to email attachments or suspicious internet web sites. These two items will take care of more than 99% of your computer virus problems.
2. Should I upgrade my computer to the newest version of Windows or just buy a new computer? -
   The answer really depends on the age and condition of your computer. Sometimes, the computer is so old it simply will not support the demands of a newer operating system. For example, a 200MHz Pentium MMX computer with 32 Meg of memory absolutely will not run Windows XP. On the other hand, that same computer is sufficient for a firewall and email server in the Linux environment so don't throw it away yet!
3. What is the best way to keep my computer up to date? -
   Currently, the best way to keep your computer's software up to date is to use Microsoft's Windows Update feature (assuming you are using the Windows™ operating system). One caution is that each user can experience varying interactions and problems with automatic updates. We suggest that you apply updates one at a time (unless they are small or not very significant) and test your computer afterwards to ensure that everything still works as you expect.

Networking

1. How can I get the computers in my business to use email and/or the internet? -
   A common solution we've used with some customers is to network all the computers in an office together accessing a firewalled email server. The Linux operating system is the preferred foundation for the email server.
2. Can I control which computers access the internet? -
   Absolutely. In fact, we encourage that design and further it with content and user filtering software.
3. Is it safe to have computers connected to the internet? -
   Usually the answer here is yes, provided the proper protection systems are in place. Just as a football player protects himself before he goes into a game, your computer systems need protection too. With the right choices, it can be as safe as anything else we commonly do in life.
4. How can I convert from dial-up to high-speed internet? -
   Call us. We have solutions ready and waiting for your unique situation.