Re: Introduction

On Wednesday 25 August 2004 12:10, Stephen Lynch wrote:
> Microsoft Charity Licensing in general, and Techsoup's even greater
> discounts, greatly reduces the (lowercase) free argument for
> (uppercase) Free software, at least for the initial purchase
> decision.

There are a couple other significant cost-based arguments:

1.) What about other non-Microsoft software?  Even if MS let you use 
Windows and Office for free, would you be able to afford, as example, 
PageMaker and Photoshop for each station?  Or what about database 
software?  If you use Linux, you'll gain access to a wealth of free 
software besides just the OS.  Also, consider the needed 3rd party 
additions to Windows itself, necessary for it to be usable in the 
real world.  A virus scanner alone will cost you $15-20/seat.

2.) Deployed properly, Linux represents less ongoing maintenance cost 
than Windows.  And have you considered diskless workstations? (either 
thin clients or NFS-root)

> And if you need a new webserver or office software for 10 new
> uisers, you can set it up today, not "as soon as the order goes
> through"

And if you use diskless workstations, you won't even have to install 
any software. (-:

Chris