Linux-Watch
      . . . keeping an eye on the penguin   
Home  |  News  |  Forum  |  Blogs  |  Videos  |  ITLink

Keywords: Match:
Running a small business on desktop Linux
May 09, 2008

This paper surveys Linux's suitability for use by owners of very small businesses and the self-employed. It was written by Howard Fosdick, a self-employed database consultant who finds Linux fairly well-suited to his needs, and reckons it has saved him thousands of dollars in recent years.

Spread the word:
digg this story
Fosdick strives for objectivity, but it's clear that he's a convert to Linux. After a point-by-point look at Linux's compatibility, functionality, reliability, ease-of-use, and other criteria, he concludes that Linux is more than up to meeting the needs of small business owners.

The picture is not completely rosy, however, as Fosdick worries that Microsoft's ever more obfuscated file formats will make it difficult for Linux to achieve adequate document-level compatibility. Business owners need to be able to share documents with Windows users. In particular, Fosdick advocates for OpenOffice.org to add support for Microsoft Office's new OOXML formats.

The article includes many great observations, and dozens of links to interesting online resources for further study. Click below to read it in full over at our sister site, DesktopLinux.com.

Running A Business on Desktop Linux



Related Stories:


(Click here for further information)


7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.

4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.

Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.

Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.

Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.

Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.

Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.

Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.

Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.

 



Got a HOT tip?   please tell us!

ADVERTISEMENT
(Advertise here)

Latest Linux-Watch Posts

• Verizon chooses Linux "platform of choice"
• Hats off to Fedora 9
• Running a small business on desktop Linux
• Sun launches OpenSolaris
• Via tiptoes toward openness
• Linux certification comes to Italy
• Installing Ubuntu Hardy Heron as a web hosting server
• Black Duck Buys Koders
• Open source conference co-locates with Ubuntu show
• Ubuntu 8.04 ready to challenge Windows
More Linux-Watch posts

DesktopLinux headlines:
• Commercial installer adds Windows game emulator
• Linux wins big in financial trading
• Fedora 9 KDE 4.0 features reviewed
• Linux gains action RPG
• Hats off to Fedora 9
• Linux for the self-employed
• CNR supports Linux Mint, adds Weatherbug
• Ubuntu ported to PDA
• Sample chapter available for new Scalix book
• Sun launches OpenSolaris
More DesktopLinux news

LinuxDevices headlines:
• Open source awards open for nominations
• Atom-based ECX board runs Linux
• Tiny boards gain Linux cross-tools support
• Cross-platform tools vendor announces awards, earnings
• Little thin client runs Linux
• $7 Soc runs Linux
• Linux wins big in financial trading
• Linux-based remote access equipment adds monitoring
• Dual-core ARM SoC clocks to 1.2GHz
• Verizon Wireless, seven others join Linux phone org
More LinuxDevices news

Dev Shed Dev Shed
Powered By Dev Shed

Also visit:
• eWEEK's Linux center
• Dev Shed
  and, our 'evil twin'...
• Microsoft-Watch.com

Linux vs. Windows?
•  in the enterprise
•  in gadgets & devices

Linux conquers smartphones!

...read all about 'em




news feed

Home  |  News  |  Forum  |  About  |  Contact
 
Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008 Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is prohibited. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.