Comparing Linux Server and Workstation Products - Assignment Example

? A Comparison of Linux Distributions A Comparison of Linux Distributions Introduction The basic purpose of this paper is to compare different distributions of Linux that are being provided by three vendors. Possibility of using Linux operating system in server/workstation environment is also explored in this report. Total cost of ownership, availability of training modules, support, product reliability and application are also stated. Comparison and contrast of Linux server and Workstation products between three separate and distinct Linux vendors is as follows. Red Hat Linux Inc. Enterprise version of Red Hat supports both server and workstation systems, which eradicates the compatibility issues that could have occurred if other versions may have used. Various different flavors of Red Hat make it beneficial, which can be purchased depending on the services that are required. For a full working IT department in an organization a simple version of customer support can be also be purchased for reducing cost. A complete version of support is also available upon requirement. When it comes to reliability, Red Hat Linux is considered to be the most stable and reliable Operating System. (Negus, & Boronczyk, 2008, p. 191-192)The main disadvantage of using Red Hat is that it is not free. Even downloadable version also involves cost and also subsequent support services. There are various versions different versions of Red Hat are available in the market. These version can be purchased directly from Red Hat Inc or through there distributors. They are as follows: Workstations Specifications Basic Workstation Dual CPU supports, memory support is unlimited, no virtualization available Multi OS Workstation Dual CPUs, unlimited memory, and virtualization available Server Specifications Red Hat Enterprise Linux Dual CPU server supports. Available for both 32bit and 64 bit architecture. Support available in three forms basic, standard and premium Has four virtual guests support Its advance version support server of all sizes along with unlimited virtual guests and storage Community Enterprise Operating System (CentOS) CentOS was developed by CentOS project community using the source code of commercial Linux (Red Hat). (Baclit, 2009, p. xxi-xxii) The purpose behind this development was to provide a free and stable version of commercial Linux distribution and also to keep up with the requirements of an Enterprise. CentOS enabled the Enterprise standard Linux for general public without requiring purchasing it or signing a service contract. CentOS have pre-installed GUI interfaces GNOME and KDE, which makes it easier for the user to use this system. For avoiding legal issues CentOS doesn’t included DVD player software in it which can be termed as its drawback, but users can install a DVD payer through internet if required. It is most popular distribution of Linux used for web servers today. (Membrey, Verhoeven, & Angenendt, 2009, p. xx-xx) Reliability, low cost and ease of use are major factors for its popularity. CentOS do not require different license for each machine as compared to Microsoft Windows products. Once loaded on disk, then can be installed on as many servers or workstation as the user required, allows greater compatibility between both without any major performance issues. Online blogs, forums and websites are general support for CentOS. Feedbacks around globe shows that people using CentOS as workstation or server had never faced any serious issue. Several people who have used this distribution reported that no serious issue has been faced in both of its form i.e. workstation and server. Novell Novell is a known Linux leader; its distribution is formally known as openSUSE. Major advantage this OS has is its relatively bug free distribution. During development, lots of concentration is given to compatibility and functionalities between openSUSE and programs that will interface is it. (McCallister, 2006, p. 255-256) OpenSUSE is considered as a bit difficult to be installed. But for organizations who have fully trained IT department this problem doesn’t arise. It is also known to be the most user friendly, with well set default choices correctly assigned amongst all the Linux distributions. Its desktop installation also has more options than any operating system. As a developed by Novell it is considered as most stable, smooth, operating flawlessly without any problem or concerns, in particular after being properly updated, beating all the other operating systems. Novell has the means to provide updates and support. One more area where openSUSE shines is network support. OpenSUSE only uses KDE desktop rather than GNOME that is being used by many other Linux distributions. For workstations openSUSE is an exceptional choice but on server it falls a bit short than CentOS. This doesn’t mean that it is not good for servers rather a fair comparison keeps it behind the CentOS in server environment. Conclusion As Linux is mostly available free of cost and can be downloaded using internet having no license requirement for the use so this factor makes it a better option to be used in the commercial environment. Secondly its online support is also available in form of free blogs, forums and websites. Training of the staff is the major factor that needs to be considered before introducing Linux in the environment. It should be done by conducting seminars and training of employees by IT staff members. Before implementation required software should be interrogated whether supporting Linux or not. As Linux is modifiable it can be integrated as per the requirements. Linux is considered as secure operating system means less vulnerable with very less downtime. No compromise on the production means highly reliable. Now as for the recommendation for which distribution should be considered, we’ve already discussed above that Red Hat has features of reliability, security, stability and of course wide technical support available. But downside of Red Hat is its cost for all the features discussed. Second option available is CentOS which is free and stable and also being widely used in the server environment. Has good support available online and can also have its technical support for much fewer than that of Red Hat. For workstations openSUSE should be given consideration as it is works good in desktop environment. It is also available in almost no cost as CentOS. In a perfect client/server environment openSUSE should be used in workstations and CentOS for servers. Both these distributions can work perfectly with each other. References Baclit, R. (2009). Foundations of Centos Linux: Enterprise Linux on the cheap. Berkeley, Calif.: Apress. McCallister, M. (2006). SUSE Linux 10 unleashed. Indianapolis, Ind: Sams. Membrey, P., Verhoeven, T., & Angenendt, R. (2009). The definitive guide to CentOS. Berkeley, CA: Apress. Negus, C. (2009). Linux Bible 2009: Boot up Ubuntu, Fedora, KNOPPIX, Debian, openSUSE, and More. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. Read More