Nutter's Help Desk: Windows vs. Linux

"As we look to add additional servers to our network, the discussion is whether to use Windows or Linux. Our traditional platform has been Windows, but we need to evaluate the costs associated with each server. Some in our department are arguing that with Linux being free, we could save a little bit of money and buy a little better server. How should we fairly evaluate our options?"

A book could be written in answer to your question. I would first start looking at what you want to use your next server for. See what software is available for Windows and Linux. Look at the hardware requirements for both and begin putting together a spreadsheet comparing each option in terms of features and costs. Some hardware vendors only support certain Linux distributions. Don't let the "free" nature of Linux be the main factor that helps you decide which way to go. Let me start by saying that nothing is totally free. You also need to evaluate the costs with each platform - hidden and real. The price of what you are going to implement is not just the cost of the application or the operating system, but the support as well. Windows support is readily available in most parts of the world. You can get it from Microsoft and other third parties. Linux support is becoming more available from commercial sources, better than it was a few years ago. There are even commercial support options for specific Linux applications regardless of the Linux distribution. More server hardware vendors are also offering Linux support.

This is can be a good thing because you will be dealing with one company in terms of hardware and Linux support, which means less chance for finger pointing to start between the server and Linux folks. There are listservs and Web sites where you can get support information. Look at what those support options will cost. You should also examine what a per incident vs unlimited call support agreement will cost. Look at where your experience is in terms of what you can fix on your own, both for Windows and for Linux. Even when you are fixing things on your own, there is a cost for the time you spend working on something, which is time away from doing something else. If you have the time and the hardware, another option to consider is dual systems, in terms of different operating systems and as close as possible to the same application on both platforms. See which works better for you in terms of installation, management, and general operating and troubleshooting.

Ron Nutter, a Master Certified Novell Engineer and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer in the Lexington, Ky., area, tracks down the answers to your questions. Send your questions to helpdesk@networkref.com.