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March 15, 2006

Linux at PFS

I've been at Print Fulfillment Services (PFS) for a few weeks now. This has been the first place that I have ever worked that has allowed me ... no ... encouraged me to use Linux for my desktop workstation needs. This means that I've been without Windows in the workplace for the first time in my professional life.

Ever.

The results have been interesting. I've often wondered throughout the years if I could take Linux into a real office space and function without the need for Windows what-so-ever. When I was at TechRepublic, the Linux Editor for TPG, Jack Wallen, was able to do so with great success. I wanted to give it a try, but I was of the opinion that the office suites at that time (early 2000's) just weren't ready for use. Fast forward several years later, I believe that I can honestly say that the answer is a very qualified "YES". The past few weeks have only made me believe that Linux is ready all that much more.

Since my first day at PFS, I've been required to do some pretty specific things with my laptop. Using Suse 10, I've been able to accomplish a wide range of tasks that can be done without Windows.

• Wireless range testing of wireless access points using iwlist.
• Remote desktop connection (RDC) to Windows servers using rdesktop.
• Using word processing and spreadsheet documents with Open Office 2.0.

This is just a small example, but these are some of the typical things that I would need to do with a Windows-based operating system that I was able to do equally well with my Linux-based laptop. The beauty is that none of the pre-mentioned activities didn't require anything terribly special in the way of software. Worst case scenario was that I had to pop in my Suse 10 CD, choose the program that needed to be installed, install it and be on my way.

~out...

Posted by ed at 07:33 PM | Comments (2)