[LINK] Moved to Linux

[Marghanita da Cruz]

Howard Lowndes wrote:
> 
> 
> Glen Turner wrote:
> 
>> Howard Lowndes wrote:
>>
>>> not if you want to keep your sanity or are really determined to keep 
>>> your workstations locked down - and don't start about "think about 
>>> the users and their personal quirks", workstations are tools to get a 
>>> job done, not toys to tinker with.
>>
>>
>> Interestingly, I'm seeing this attitude around the place
>> now -- "I'm a contractor/student/consultant, it's my laptop,
>> keep your hands off. The network and printing just work off
>> my ADSL router at home, so I can't understand why you mob
>> can't do the same".
> 
> 
> Fine, if you want your laptop as a Tinka Toy then keep your 
> viral/spyware/adware/trojan infestations, pirated mp3s and pinkware off 
> the corporate network; if you're not prepared to do that then the 
> corporation will do it for you, like it or lump it.
> 
>>
>> In that world view computers aren't just tools for work.
>> They're toys too.
> 
> 
> Do they get to go bush bashing with the company car...?...probably not.
> 

...Glen was talking about contractors/students/consultants...who provide
their own computers...which are used for other parts of their lives -
other gainful employment, correspndence with family and friends.. these
are not toys, but more akin to homes.

It is a different story if the corporation provides a workstation. It
also makes it simpler for all the other security/survelliance stuff they
may also wish to implement. Contractual rights over IP etc.

However, the real challenge is the architecture for Internet mediated
collaboration whether it be for physicially co-located people or those
across Australia.

M

PS. Richard I agree that as Newbie you go with the easiest. I myself, as 
a Linux Newbie, tried Fedora (given two disk set), an Open Skills 
version of Debian (paid for disk) and ended up using Knoppix (single 
disk), which came on with a magazine. However, last year Ubuntu (breezy 
badger) came across my path and I would have to say, it looks very good. 
My only obstacle to switching over  is that I use netscape as a mail 
client...and was not sure whether to use Thunderbird or the other one 
(which I understand interfaces with MS mail server) on Ubuntu.

On the topic of Canon Printers, there seemed to be a general consensus 
that there is a lack of support from Canon for Linux, but I have it on 
good authority that this attitude has changed. Epson was apparently much 
more supportive and my Epson printer worked with Knoppix.

My notes on Linux are at www.ramin.com.au/linux
-- 
Marghanita da Cruz
Ramin Communications
http://www.ramin.com.au
Phone: 0414-869202
Email: marghanita at ramin.com.au