Topic: Linux Thoughts Partial Move

[Kid Carrson]

To the Group:

Over the many years, I've received so many good thoughts on computer maintenance and operation from this great group, I've got to come to you all again with an issue that my firm has.  So here goes.

With Windows XP coming to the end of its useful life (at least for internet matters since MS will stop updating it early next year), our firm has to make a change for computers accessing the internet.   We're slow adapters and that's usually fine, but our time is nearing the end of making a decision.

Here's the 2 options we're considering:

Option # 1 - Buying Windows 7 computers and either replacing the XP's at the applicable stations or setting up dual computer operations (with KVM switches) so that only the Windows 7 machines access the internet.

Option # 2 - Implementing Linux (either using dual boots with Windows XP, or setting up a 2nd machine at each station that uses Linux) to access the internet.

We expect to use Windows XP for most work operations for at least 2 to 3 more years, assuming we can maintain security by preventing XP access to internet.  We might never leave XP if we don't have to leave it.

If we move to Linux for internet operations, I'd really appreciate any thoughts on which longer term version of Linux to use (Ubuntu, Mint, or something else) given the thought that the system will be used mainly for internet access and that the users are slow adapter types used to using XP.  If Linux is used, any thoughts on which programs to add would also be appreciated (Libre Office perhaps).

Any other thoughts would also be appreciated.  We'd like to get off of the forced upgrade Windows approach, especially since our work, other than internet and email, is unlikely to need any system other than XP until I retire.

Thanks

Kid Carrson

[Javora]

My first thought would be to route all of your WinXP boxes through a Linux machine set up as a server but then I'm not sure how many XP boxes your company has.  But doing it this way, your can the company can upgrade at it's leisure and still have systems that everyone knows and is familiar with.  I don't think this would work with a large company however.

But here is another thought, if your company has 64 bit WinXP disks they would still have value to people like us who like to play older games like...  Hmmm.  I can't think of a name of a good older game...  On the tip of my tongue.  lol  But seriously selling these disks could soften the blow of upgrading.

[Kid Carrson]

Thanks Javora,

We have a maximum of 8 XP's, all using a wired network.  No wireless.  BTW, it works great for SFC OP!

We don't use a server, just a cable modem that connects to a router (Linksys) that then goes to each computer via Cat 5 wire (a peer to peer network). 

Are you thinking about using a server as a type of firewall?   Would that work?  If so, that would be so awesome.

KC

[Javora]

That's exactly what I'm thinking depending on the distro of Linux you use it would make for a very secure form of firewall/server.  With only eight PC's in use IMHO that Linux box can easily handle the load, fairly easy to set up, and cheap in install.  This would give you time to slowly upgrade as time and money allows.  You would only have to install one machine compared to having one on each desktop and then hope people don't unhook the CAT5 cable and plug it into the WinXP box anyway.

Here is some links that may help you plan or build a Linux box:

http://www.networkworld.com/
http://linuxhardware.net/linuxhardware/notes/

[Kid Carrson]

Many many thanks. 

[Kid Carrson]

Do you have any thoughts on the Distro?   I had been considering the long term version of Ubuntu, but that was before thinking about using it as a server acting as a firewall. 

Thanks.

KC

[Javora]

Nemesis would be the best person to ask for that question.  Hey NEM...  KC has a question for ya.  lol.

[Nemesis]

Option # 3 - Run XP in a virtual machine under Linux.  (Never used virtual machines myself but do know it can be done). 

Advantage of one machine rather than two and the ease of switching back and forth between Linux on the Internet and the XP which can be denied the access.  Possibly the XP could still have network access just not the internet.  Avoids time wasting reboots.  Also should be easy to restore a corrupted XP install by just copying in a standard install from your backup. 

In the case that you find that some or all of the software you need has Linux versions or alternate software you can step by step move work processes to the Linux and off the XP.  Ultimately you might for some or all of your people be able to remove the virtual machine.

As to which distribution it will in part depend how  you intend to do support.  In house will depend on the availability of Linux expertise in your area, the same if you use a local support company.  Either way using a distribution that is commonly used in your area allows easier change between the people used for support.  You could also go with one of the major distributions like SuSe.  Talking to the local Linux User Group might be useful in finding out what companies in your area do support Linux.