[ale] Linux Desktop Costs

[Dow Hurst]

You don't get new software from SuSE or from Redhat with the update 
tools as far as I can tell.  Now, under SuSE you can download and 
install the KDE or Gnome updates separately from ftp.suse.com.  This can 
bring an older distro up to date with the current desktop but not the 
current kernel.  So far the only updates I've gotten from Redhat up2date 
thru the rhn were security updates.  So SuSE has free security updates 
and Redhat charges for quality bandwidth for security updates.  Neither 
give you a updated kernel or libraries since that is how they make their 
money with the next version of their product.  If you can get the 
hardware recognized under Gentoo then your on an easier path to stay up 
to date with the current software packages that are in the ports 
collection.  SuSE, Mandrake, and RedHat are really good at hardware 
detection for the current distros but the latest cutting edge hardware 
probably won't work right.  This ACPI stuff being sold in new 
motherboards is a real pain.  Since your dealing with older stuff the 
hwinfo tool or hardware browser tool would be quite useful under the 
main distros.  There really isn't per seat licensing for Linux except in 
terms of commercial support.  The distro companies are developing 
corporate strategies to have a defined lifetime for a distribution and 
to sell per seat support for that version.  Each package under SuSE 
explains it's license, especially if it requires something from you 
other than compliance with the GPL.  When installing, I've had windows 
pop up for certain packages saying I must buy a license for this package 
or send pizza if I use it.  The commercial packages always let you know, 
if you read the blurbs in the Yast2 Software Manager,  how to get a 
license.  VMware is a good example.

I think that if you can get SuSE professional 8.2 to work with, you'll 
be happy with the software selection and the hardware detection.  Free 
security updates too.  However, if current cutting edge software is what 
you want, then Gentoo is much better at that.  I really appreciate your 
comment about the sweat equity!  Your comment on the SuSE user 
guides/books in the boxed set is well taken too since they really can 
help a newbie out.  You can't copy those but the online docs come with 
the default install.

You know Gentoo has several kernel versions for different purposes.  
That might really come in handy for your business with all the different 
hardware.
Dow


BruceG wrote:

>Hey all,
>
>      Being the cheap sort I am, I was wondering if any of you have done a 
>cost study on different Linux desktop distributions. I know there is a free 
>part of this: I downloaded Mandrake 9.1 and burned ISOs, and was able to keep 
>up with security fixes free. I installed SuSE from FTP and applied updates, 
>but opted to purchase a boxed set - mainly for the user guide. I also 
>downloaded RH9.0 ISO's, but haven't played with them yet. I'm thinking I'd 
>prefer to simply purchase a boxed set just for a user's guide.
>
>      In looking at costs, though - how can you tell if you are able to 
>install on multiple desktops, or if there is a per seat license. Meaning - if 
>I chose RH, Mandrake or SuSE - can I purchase one boxed set and install on 
>multiple PC's? On SuSE, would that break the YaST2 license?
>
>      Also, if I read correctly, RH has up2date by subscription. Would I be 
>correct in guessing that the subscription is for new versions of software, 
>but security updates are free? 
>
>      I read the social contract at Debian, read a lot of the doc, and 
>subscribed to the mailing lists - so realize that is free as in speech AND 
>cost - but had problems with ALSA, my EnsonIQ sound card, usb mouse and usb 
>joystick. So while free, you appear to pay in sweat equity. I'm not picking 
>on the distribution at all - but for a newbie like me, it was harder to set 
>up then Mandrake or SuSE. That's a reflection on me, not on Debian and I'm 
>sure if I was less impatient, the debian-user mailing list (and the Ale list) 
>would have helped me sort it out quickly.
>
>      If you were considering a distribution for a non-profit that uses 
>donated PC's with older hardware - what distribution would you go for? I was 
>thinking that Debian fit the general bill. Second question is: is there a 
>toolset that can help you determine the hardware installed in a donated PC? I 
>know under Windows I can go to Belarc Advisor. Is there a similar tool for 
>Linux?
>
>   (and a side note, I actually posted as a new thread, instead of a reply to! 
>As a long time WIndows user, I NEVER kept addresses in Outlook Express and 
>simply replied to messages, breaking threads all over the place. I've 
>actually finally started making an address book in KMail.) 
>
>Bruce
>_______________________________________________
>Ale mailing list
>Ale at ale.org
>http://www.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
>
>  
>

-- 
__________________________________________________________
Dow Hurst                  Office: 770-499-3428           
Systems Support Specialist    Fax: 770-423-6744           
1000 Chastain Rd. Bldg. 12                                
Chemistry Department SC428  Email:   dhurst at kennesaw.edu  
Kennesaw State University         Dow.Hurst at mindspring.com
Kennesaw, GA 30144                                        
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