So, to look after my hundred users+ is straightforward. Yes, Windows does have some issues as all OS's do. But that is a side issue in the real world. For the average user working in an office, they know Office, and they know Windows. As an IT person supporting those people, it is my duty, my professional reputation that hangs in the balance. Not providing a good solution is simply not an option. But add to this, the various tools and weapons that Microsoft provide to me, my business, and my suppliers, and it is an excellent package. Its also the very same reason why I am sitting here and saying 'Sorry, I can't do it.. at least not yet'. Could it also be a reason why most OEM/suppliers simply don't offer Linux?
Maybe I am wrong. Maybe Linux has all the Ghosting, Imaging, Business and software tools to do the same as windows offers. But its not visible. It looks like its missing in action. It looks to me an outsider like it doesn't exist. And while it doesn't exist, at least in my sphere, its hard for me to understand just how Linux will make it fully onto the desktop, beyond the area of the enthusiast, or hobbyist. Beyond the odd server, or workstation. So you have my comment. Now I hand over to you for a moment and ask some questions:
How would a company like Dell/HP/OEM/Other support a Linux build, its updates and support at least as well as those it gets when it works with Microsoft?
How would companies who then buy those systems from the supplier be able to do the same kind of images and updates in a similar painless way?
Why does there seem to be no Linux RISprep/SYSPREP tools available to both builders and business/users with strong support from the Linux Distributions, to do this level of support?
In addition, Windows XP is remarkable in its level of recovery during replication. You can change the hardware to a greater degree than anything I have seen, and by and large it works, or can be corrected. For me, it would
take days to prepare a Linux system to such a level, and worse still, there would seem to be no easy way of offering the positive benefits of running Windows, a Windows domain, and the tools my users would wish to use, along with the problem /system recovery I get with my current setup. Do you know of a way I am not aware of?
My main caveat with the Linux desktop idea is that I am not dealing with one particular computer. And neither are hundreds and thousands of IT veterans and specialists who work with Windows, often not because its the best technically (even though its very good), but because it is the most manageable. IT managers, IT Directors, Company bosses and boards have to deal with the reality. They have to comply with the law. They want simple, straightforward solutions. They want business solutions and providers who do that. They want solutions and provisions that work. I have not seen a Linux desktop that would be acceptable for me to even try and roll out in any area of the desktop. Its not that any of the software is not good enough. Its not that its not capable. Its not that it can't do specific targeted work. It can probably do all that. Nothing I have seen even indicates tools, and management, recovery, centrally held data storage, user control, management and integration that I can get with Microsoft Windows.
Everything Microsoft have done ties together. From the desktop, through to domain and server. It ties in and it works. That is why people use Windows. That's why Dell/HP/OEM/Other sell Windows. That is why most of the corporations round the globe choose Windows. Until that is addressed, I do not see Linux making inroads on the desktop. If it was easy, it would be occurring by now. Its lack of uptake seems at least to me to be an indicator as to why. Perhaps we need a new distribution. Lintigration might be a good name. And what would it be ? An integrated Linux solution, that ties in to a server, offers bootable network installation, package and management solutions, user handling, data placement. Everything a 'Professional ' would need from Server, Desktop, Printer, Network and integration perspective. Linux replacements for areas like:
Central server or domain creation.
Then the ability to create images that can be delivered to any PC on the network. SYSPREP/Automated install/update across network.
Specialised routines for locking down systems, desktops, tools, data storage on the 'domain'. System failure/recovery.
The tools for building and working with Windows desktops would be of great benefit. Its time Linux stopped looking at the desktop as an individual issue, and looked at a far more complete solution. If you can get that, the
desktop comes in range.
Myself and my fellow staff continue to evaluate Linux, and its various distributions. We have had to swallow Microsoft's License changes and are very unhappy about it. I think that is repeated up and down companies around the globe. But Linux doesn't give me the tools that I need to handle the 'desktop' - tied and operational INTO our and other peoples business systems. Its falling short, and that's why I thought I would post this article.
About the author:
Darren Stewart is the network manager at the Gray Cancer Research Trust. He has worked in IT for the past 10 years with systems ranging from AS/400, Unix, Microsoft Server and Desktop OS's and systems, and for notable
companies as AXA Equity and LAW, Old Mutual, MCTWorld, Circle International, Finance and IT Expertise Ltd. He is married with an 18 month old daughter."
- "Editorial, Part I"
- "Editorial, Part II"
