[LUG] LUG & Linux/DNP (fwd)

[Aaron Trevena <betty at termisoc.org>]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2000 17:54:21 -0000
From: Geoff Nicholas <geoff at netpz.co.uk>
To: Aaron Trevena <betty at termisoc.org>
Subject: Linux/DNP

Aaron

We've caused a major debate which is focusing people's minds
The new co-ordinator Steve has expressed positive support
His comments follow at the end of this

The call is out for you to come & explain/educate the committee & others

Can you come ??
Can you or another member of the D&C Lug  help/oversee/do the initial set-up
and provide some backup to make the wary feel more secure ??

I don't need any convincing - I want to be running Linux myself ASAP
Its crazy that I'm not already - but its been quite a lone operation
down here - with no peers to learn from/with  - although that might change
if
DPN really fulfils its potential.

If you can make it within the next few days that would be really useful
if you need petrol /train expenses I'm sure I can twist arms.

Do you know anyone who fancies a bit of work doing web/database integration
perl scripting etc. !!
There just doesn't seem anyone around that I can find and
I've got some way to go before I can do it all myself - and prob won't have
the time
Plus as things develop - the need grows for a team approach

Geoff
--------------------------

Contents of Steve Miller's EM

Geoff

My instinct is anti-Microsoft. As I said before, I've always used Macs. But
in the commercial sector there is always a bias towards deciding on
standard MS stuff because it's seen as a safe decision, there is usually
in-house expertise re set-up and maintenance, and you will be compatible
with most everybody else.

If Dot is familiar with MS set-up and troubleshooting then that is an
argument in Bill Gates' favour. Aaron is right that MS licensing costs can
mount up and you have to pay richly for all the Windows-based software; a
lot of Linux stuff is available free or low-cost. But then the Win2000 test
site option could cut costs.

In all of this, are we talking only about the office network, or are we
talking also about the server on which you will be offering Web hosting etc
- the Big Server? Because, arguably, security is better on a Unix Web
server than an MS server. You can get Apache shareware firewall software to
run under Unix, presumably also under Linux. Windows NT (presume also
Win98/2000) firewalls can cost thousands.

The Linux and all the associated open architecture philosophy may be more
in keeping with DPN's thinking and approach. Maybe Redhat or other Linux
promoters would be interested in an organization like ours promoting Linux.
We could perform a 'demystification' function, because a lot of people are
wary of going a Linux route and have discussions just like this one.

Let's explore the Linux option. I'll check out some Web sites, books, mags
for more info, maybe you could do so as well, then we could talk again in a
couple of days. I take it from Aaron's comments that he is willing to set
up a network; would he able to offer any troubleshooting help subsequently?

Steve Miller
miller at dircon.co.uk
--------------------------------

geoff at netpz.co.uk
www.webdock.co.uk
www.netpz.co.uk
01736 330034

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