Linux for the Office
Introduction Slides

Class Outline

1. What is Linux?
2. Why use Linux?
3. What Linux can do for you:
   • Desktop
     • Word Processors, Spreadh Sheets, Email Clients, etc.
   • Server
     • File and Internet Sharing, Apple and Microsoft Networking
4. In-depth The GIMP
5. In-depth Evolution
6. Q&A, Linux try-out session

1. Kernel - Linux 1991
   Lowest level - the operating system
2. Applications - GNU 1984
   Tools and programs that make the computer useful
3. Distributions - GNU/Linux
   A package containing the kernel and applications

• Most distributions and applications are little to no cost
• Freedom to make changes and redistribute
• No one individual controls Linux; multiple viewpoints exist
• Peace of mind
• All with a familiar, easy to use interface!

• Combine the power and flexibility of Unix with point-and-click ease of use
  • Incredible 'uptimes'
  • No needless reboots
  • Very low maintenance
• Expand or shrink to any situation
  • Old 386/486's
  • Dual Processor Workstations
• Lower cost of buying and owning a PC
  • Operating System Cost
  • Applications License Fees

1. Stability?
   Should be a given, right?
2. Security?
   Should be a given, also?
3. Cult like following?
   Only the ones that double as a religion...

Then what is it?

Applications!

• Word Processors
  AbiWord, KWord, OpenOffice, StarOffice, WordPerfect
• Spreadsheets
  Gnmeric, KSpread, OpenOffice, StarOffice
• Email Clients
  KMail, Evolution, Netscape
• Web Browsers
  Mozilla, Netscape, Konqeuror, Opera
• Graphics Editors
  The GIMP, Kontour

Native versions of Acrobat Reader, Flash and RealPlayer, too!

"Yeah, but I really like 'X'..."

Why would you need to?

• Need Microsoft Office
• Need Apple QuickTime
• Need Internet Explorer

How to get around problems if you MUST run something Windows only

• CrossOver Office / Plugin
  (Microsoft Office and Apple QuickTime)
• VMWare, Win4Lin, Wine, WineX, VNC
  (General Purpose Window Environments)

• Solid network that powers the Internet right now
• Easily extendible for any type of networking task
  (small embedded devices to massive super clusters)
• "Open Source" patches bugs and security problems quickly

File Serving

• World Wide Web (WWW) Servers
• File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Servers
• Microsoft Networking
• AppleTalk Network

Internet Sharing

• One Internet connection shared to any number of computers
• No special program required for any client computers
• Full featured, custombizable firewalls readily available