On another non-tech related Cambodian forum a poster added a poll asking which operating system the other posters used. After reading the thread I though I would write something about what operating systems I use, in case anyone is interested and maybe even some insight as to why. I will focus on Windows and Linux as these are what I use on a daily basis and have the most experience with.

All of the following will be examples of what I use and what works best for me, it would also be interesting to hear from some of you in the comments section so you can share your own personal experiences, likes and dislikes.

My Work Machine

To cut a long story short, my work machine runs XP. I would love to be able to use Linux for many ethical and romantic reasons, but to date have been unable to put something together that covers all bases.

Although the core programs I use for work are available on Linux, programs such as Eclipse, Firefox + Firebug, Open Office, Skype (has issues) and Thunderbird (as a replacement to Outlook), the secondary pieces of software that I use on a near daily basis are not. These programs include ArcMap and Macromedia Studio. Although I don’t use these programs all day everyday, they are still irreplaceable and need to be run in the same window of the same box without sucking up my system resources like a hose, in order to appeal to me. Dual boot, second machine and vmware type options don’t meet those criteria, so are out of the equation for me. I personally will only make a switch in system if I think it will result in increased productivity. Unfortunately at this moment in time from whichever angle I try to look at it, I just can’t justify a switch over to Linux.

The Work Machines of my Colleagues

Our company is a geomatics firm primarily, but also offers, surveying, software development and IT support services which represent a growth area in our business, programs such as ArcGIS, AutoCAD and other such highly specialized software are essential for what we do, and are used by more than 75% of the staff. As these programs aren’t available on Linux, this one is a no brainer. The only staff who don’t use these programs are in administration and some of them are still tied to Windows as they use Conical Hat software for accounting. Changing such a small percentage of our staff base over to Linux when their needs are already being met by Windows, and everybody else is on Windows just simply doesn’t make economical sense in terms of implementation or maintenance costs.

My Work Testing Server

My work testing server is a low spec box which cost $250 new! After spending that little on the box, do I really want to fork out the same again for a copy of Windows just so I can have the privilege of running ISS, which in my opinion falls short of the robust (and free) Apache on many levels? I think not. The server is currently running Slackware 11. I’ve done the rounds with other flavours of Linux but just find for command line only use, Slackware to be very stable and more intuitive.

The server running Apache 2 and MapServer for web mapping apps hasn’t been rebooted in more than a year and a half unless as the result of a software install or Cambodia’s frequent blackouts, rather than a technical issue. It’s hooked into our local Windows network via Samba, allowing me full control of the file system from Windows Explorer with any machine on the network. Although running Linux in a web server capacity can be a little tricky to securely set up for those new to Linux, once it is setup you can literally dump it in the server room, plug a network cable in the back and forget about it; I wish the same could be said for some of our Windows network servers! 

Dedicated Production Server

Our production server is housed in the US, it’s a beast of a machine that until recently was running on Red Hat Enterprise, RHE is defiantly not free at around $1000 a pop, but it does provide some things that are essential for any Enterprise level operating system, such as tech support, live security updates etc. After a few issues recently coming about as the result of running one flavour of Linux on the local testing server, and another on the remote production server the decision was taken to make both identical, so that meant bye-bye RHE. I have now become a full Slackware convert and had been looking for an excuse to make the switch so didn’t let this opportunity pass me by.

Coming Soon:

I have ordered an Ultrabay from Thakral for my IBM notebook in order to add a second bootable hard drive, the plan is to install Ubuntu with all of the software that I currently use on my Windows work station. I intend to install all software on my list which is available for Linux, then use WINE to run those that are not. I will then tweak it and see if I can replicate the same performance levels that I enjoy under Windows. The programs I am looking to install are:

• Eclipse + plugins
• Firefox
• Firebug
• Open Office
• Thunderbird
• GRASS GIS
• Skype
• Macromedia Studio 8

The plan is, that if I can get all of the above working I will move my notebook and work machine over to Linux full time. I will post my progress as soon as my Ultrabay arrives from Thakral.