What is Linux?
Linux is a complete IT solution, similar in many way to UNIX. However, it has no ancestory with commercial Unix. A typical Linux distribution comprises:
The kernel - the core of the operating system.
System programs - including boot loaders, system commands etc.
X Windows - the graphical windowing system.
A window manager - such as KDE, making the configuration and use of the graphical user interface easy.
User programs - such as a email client, office suite, email client, web browsers, CD / DVD burning, etc.
What makes is Linux good for business?
It is secure - Strong authentication, compliant encrytion algorithms and powerful firewalls protect IT systems from hackers. Additionally, Linux is unaffected by viruses that target Windows based systems. Intrusion detection systems provide early warning of attempted attacks.
Compatible with Microsoft Office file formats - Existing documentation produced with Word, Excel and Powerpoint can be accessed without conversion. This makes migration from Windows to Linux straightforward.
Free from licensing restrictions - Linux can be installed on any number of computers without licence issues. Additionally, Linux is open-source. When you obtain Linux, all the source code from which it is created is included. The source code can be inspected by the user base, thus any malicious code, such as spyware, trojan horses, etc., could be exposed.
Stable and reliable - Ensuring that your IT systems are available when you need them. There is no need to reboot Linux when new software is installed, or the configuration changes. Journalling filesystems ensure that data loss due to hardware failure is minimised.
Scaleable - Linux will as servers, workstations, laptops, etc. Linux will also run on a variety of hardware, including:
- Intel / AMD 32bit and 64bit machines.
- Sun Sparc machines
- PowerPC / IBM machines
- Silicon Graphics (SGI) machines
Linux also supports multiple processors - upto 64 in one machine, and upto 64Gb RAM, making it perfect for high-end servers
Low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) than other main stream operating systems - 60% cheaper than Windows. http://www.rfgonline.com
- Linux Servers - Tailored Solutions
- Linux Desktops and Laptops
Linux Servers - Tailored Solutions
Our services deliver a total solution package designed to meet our clients complete business and technology needs. Linux is still an emerging platform in mainstream IT infrastructure with comparatively low licensing costs making Linux highly attractive to businesses.
Support Solutions
Through the dedicated support of experienced and professional Linux experts we'll tailor our solutions to meet your support needs and give you the peace of mind that the day-to-day running are in safe hands. Our network solutions and support services include:
- Network support and preventative maintenance
- Fully managed remote and onsite service contracts
- Disaster recovery planning/Business continuity
- Backup, virus and security solutions
- Wireless networking & remote access solutions
Server Configurations
Linux servers can be used in many different roles on a LAN. Samba which is a Linux/UNIX server application that makes a Linux or UNIX server appear as a Windows NT server to Windows clients. It can even serve as a domain controller. Included in Linux is Samba which is so comprehensive you can have what, for all intents and purposes, appears to be a totally-Windows network without having a single Windows server. Given the cost of Windows server software and the per-seat licensing costs associated with having Windows servers, Samba can save you a lot of money.
Linux is an excellent platform for file servers, print servers, webservers, mail servers, voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) servers and more.
File Servers
A file server differs from a personal computer (PC) in that the server is dedicated to storing files in a centralized location while permitting access to networked computers. This is the most common type of server in small businesses. A file server enables all files to be stored in a central location, which accommodates centralized backup strategies (one place to backup all files) and security implementation (depending on the operating system, individuals can be assigned different access rights to stored information).
- RAID (mirrored) disk options
- Integration with Windows, Unix & Macintosh clients
- Remote Windows client access via pre-configured WinSCP installation
- Secure (encrpyted) external backup onto USB drive
- Protected with Kaspersky Anti-Virus products
Print Servers
The print server is a sharing device designed to provide simple and efficient printer sharing. All users on the LAN, regardless of operating system or network protocol, will be able to share the printers connected to the print server. By connecting the printers to a print server instead of a file server or workstation, it can reduce system loading, increase printing performance and allow different network protocols to be used simultaneously.
Web Servers
A Web Server provides the ability to host websites or take advantage of web based applications. More web servers use Apache than any other web server software. Web Server Survey
- Apache
- PHP
- MySQL
- FTP
- Domain Name Server (DNS)
Mail Servers
A mail server is a server dedicated to sending and receiving mail. A software application handles the sending of messages from client machines and the receipt of email from other servers.
- Postfix SMTP
- Cyrus POP3 / IMAP
- Webmail
- Spam Filtering
- Email Forwarding
- Auto-Answering
Voice-Over-Internet protocol (VoIP) Servers
There are many advantages to VoIP such as the ability to divert to your mobile or other external numbers if there is no answer in the office. Working from home and no one will know your office phone is always with you as long as you have an internet connection or your mobile – if a divert is setup.
- Asterisk with web configuration tool
Linux Desktops and Laptops
Most PC computers today come with one of Microsoft's Windows operating systems pre-installed. Some suppliers will supply machines with Linux pre-installed. Dell HP and IBM now ship desktop computers and laptops with Linux pre-installed realising the cost effectiveness of the Linux operating system
LinuSoft can provide a Linux installation service for desktop and laptop machines. LinuSoft can also supply installation media for most major Linux distributions.
When you consider the additional costs of an office suite ontop of the cost of the PC, the difference of Linux becomes even more dramatic. SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop includes OpenOffice.org Novell Edition at no additional cost.
