News Archives > What is Linux? Will it work for my company?

Linux is a server operating system that was created by a gentleman named Linus Torvalds with the assistance of developers around the world. Linux was influenced by the UNIX operating system and was first released in 1994. Linux is gaining popularity for many reasons, one of which is the fact that its source code is freely available to everyone. It has become adopted worldwide as a server platform, but its use as a home and office desktop operating system is on the rise.

Linux became a strong alternative to the Microsoft server operating systems (Windows 2000 and 2003) through its reputation as a stable and fully functioning system. Companies that implement a Linux server can, and do use Windows on their desktop computers. Linux integrates smoothly within a Microsoft environment and is an ideal File and Print and Email server.

Linux has an official mascot called Tux, which was selected by Linus Torvalds to represent the image that he associated with the operating system. Many people have a difficult time with the pronunciation of Linux as many variations of the word exist. Going right to the source, Linus Torvalds pronounces the word as "LIH-nucks".

AdvizeIT experts have over 16 years of UNIX experience and have worked with the Linux system for the past 5 years. We have been installing Linux servers in our client sites on an increasing basis as the system becomes better known and accepted.

Will Linux work for me? Top 5 reasons why it will work for you:

1. Linux runs on the exact same server hardware that runs Microsoft Windows Server (2000 or 2003). It actually requires less hardware power than its Microsoft counterpart.
2. Linux is free to operate. Some vendors sell Linux packages (media, instructions), but Linux itself can be downloaded and run for free.
3. Linux is a very secure system, leveraging off the strength of UNIX. Some IT experts consider Linux to be more secure than Windows Server.
4. Linux servers don't require the same level of software patches that Microsoft ones do (this may change in the future as Linux captures more of the marketplace).
5. Linux is fully Internet oriented; Web, Mail, and News services are fully integrated in.

Will Linux work for me? Top 4 reasons why it won't work for you:

1. Linux can be complicated to install and configure. Everyday people don't always commit the time to read the instruction material. Unless you commit the time to learn, Linux setup should be left to experienced IT experts.
2. Linux does not enjoy the large number of applications that run on Microsoft. Any specific database / information systems may not run on Linux (as the vendor may not have released a version for Linux yet).
3. Linux is not centrally developed. Many companies release different Linux components, leading to some inconsistencies if you are not careful. Again, reliance on experience IT experts is a big plus.
4. While Linux acceptance is growing, Microsoft still dominates the server environment.