Abstract
The paper describes Linux, a freely available, multi-tasking and multi-user operating system, and discusses the reasons why open source software such as Linux is widely accepted by many. The paper outlines the application systems that run on Linux and points out the differences between Linux and Microsoft Windows. The paper relates that although Linux is fast becoming an in-demand operating system, Microsoft Windows still thrives and has a larger market share.

Outline:
About Linux
History of Linux
How to Use Linux
Open Source: Friend or Foe
Definition of Workflow
Enterprise Information Portal
Linux vs. Windows

From the Paper
"Since the new millennium, open source has been the buzzword in the Information Technology community and what comes to mind when open source is discussed is Linux. You ask what Linux is? How easy is this software to use? Is there something special about this software? How scalable is Linux? Can it run on my machine? Will it be able to help me meet my business needs?"
Linux is a freely available multi-tasking and multi-user operating system (Linux 1). This means that the source code of this software can be downloaded, used, modified and expanded at no cost. At the same time, developers may modify the source code, deleting some commands and adding new ones depending on the needs of the business."

Tags:software, source, code, Microsoft, Windows

Abstract
This paper examines in detail the advantages of a Linux system in a country such as Pakistan. The author feels that the adoption of such a system at the server and desktop environments is not only cost effective but crucial.

Thin Client Background
Case Studies
Benefits
Set-up Costs
Windows Solution

From the Paper
"Linux on the Intel platform has emerged as a viable alternative to both Windows NT and RISC/Unix for enterprise computing. The keys to realizing the benefits of Linux in the enterprise begins with careful consideration of where to deploy Linux, understanding why to deploy in these roles, managing expectations, and monitoring results. "

Tags:applications, client, linux, intel, open, source, tco, terminal

Abstract
This paper is written as a point paper for a small business that is deciding between Windows XP and Linux as the operating system for the company's desktop computers. The conclusion is that, while XP is a bit more user friendly, Linux has many other advantages. The paper argues for choosing Linux over Windows XP.

From the Paper
"The purpose of this paper is to present the financial and business advantages of using a Linux open source operating system vs. Windows XP, a Microsoft closed source operating system, on our company's desktop computers. It is my recommendation that the company should use Linux as its operating system of choice. In the course of my study I considered the following factors: Cost; Performance ; Reliability ; Scalability ; Usability and Security"

Tags:cost, performace, operating, system

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts Windows 2000 with the Linux operating system. The author begins by providing a review of the evolutionary history of computer systems in general and then looks at the specific components, advantages and shortcomings of each system.
Thesis Statement
Operating Systems - A Brief History
The Windows Story
The Linux Operating System
Conclusions

From the Paper
"The situation presents a marvelous climate for the innovative spirit and ingenuity of several quite brilliant visionaries, among whom was Bill Gates and his group of programmers, analysts and systems engineers. Operating on a shoe string budget and out of an old reclaimed warehouse the first operating system was born and Christened MS-DOS which translates to the name Microsoft Systems - Disk Operating System."

Tags:information, technology, computer, Microsoft, Corel, IBM

Abstract
In the world of business computing, there is really only one product line used to manage software - Microsoft Windows. In all its variations, the Windows line of operating systems, back end servers, IT management applications and other software products have gained the lion's share of business in these arenas. While Apple Computer has recently introduced a back-office solution in the servers and apps arena (Apple's xServe and OS X - which is a Unix based OS), IBM has long had similar products in both hardware and software (OS/2), neither has really gained much more than a toe-hold into the business-software world. Microsoft, truly, is the monopolistic giant that it has made itself into. However, as the world has been flocking to the Microsoft picnic, a significant number of guests have become upset with the limitations and rules that Microsoft has set forth regarding its software. For those people, LINUX, a free-ware Unix-based operating system that has no usage rules, no licensing agreements,and no restrictions. For these companies, the ability to completely control their software environment using a highly stable platform and one in which they do not have to invest is a major draw.

Abstract
This paper will attempt to compare and distinguish the various functionality's and features of the two major OS: Linux (various versions) and Microsoft Windows 2000.

Abstract
The paper explores the issue of whether Windows is better than Linux, or vice versa. The paper explains that of foremost concern are the security issues and stability of the operating systems. The paper explains that security is a process, not a product. The best technology could be had but if the ones maintaining them are lackadaisical, then the implementation of information technologies has no worth, or worse, is detrimental to the enterprise. The paper concludes that whether it is Linux or Microsoft, mitigation of risks should always be foremost in mind because there will always be risks involved.

From the Paper
"In Linux, most of the vulnerabilities discovered have something to do with the kernel. One of the vulnerabilities reported early this year is the "Linux Kernel CIFS chroot Directory Traversal Vulnerability." This Linux kernel vulnerability "could be exploited by malicious users to bypass security restrictions. This flaw is due to an input validation error when processing arguments containing backslash ("\\") characters passed to certain commands (e.g. "cd"), which could be exploited by authenticated attackers to escape chroot restrictions for a CIFS or SMBFS mounted filesystem. The vulnerability has been reported in versions prior to 2.6.16.11. (Holtmann, 2006)""

Tags:kernel, security, technology, risks

Abstract
This paper is a technical description of Linux, its components, and the advantages of Linux 2.6 over 2.4. Linux 2.6 supports more file systems, including XFS, adds support for POSIX threading, has built-in support for IPSEC, and has support for additional network file systems such as CIFS, which will improve integration with Windows networks. The writer explains that Linux, already very popular as a server for smaller businesses, can finally support enough devices to handle the largest storage arrays in use now and for the foreseeable future, and can integrate in to almost any network as a client, server or both. Further, IPSEC support means that any protocol can be used securely over any IP network. The writer concludes that with all the file system options now available Linux based products will continue increasing their share of the server operating system market.

From the Paper
"Traditionally, operating systems for servers are supplied by the server manufacturer or purchased from a third-party software company. These methods are the most common way Linux is acquired for servers, but a third method is gaining in popularity; non-commercial compilations. (Wilson) Debian and Gentoo are two popular non-commercial Linux distributions that are slowing the growth of the server market as they increase in usage. Non-commercial distributions generally differ technically from commercial operating systems. In general, they tend to provide the system administrator with more control, for which they find favor among experts."

Tags:timeslice, preemptibility, encryption, superuser, algorithm, runqueue

Abstract
This paper discusses why the Unix/Linux Operating System has become popular and its major advantages as compared to Microsoft Windows. The writer also explores the five components of an operating system - user interface, device management, file management, memory management and processor management.

From the Paper
"Analysts agree that if one operating system stands a chance to give Microsoft a run for its money, that system is Linux, a version of Bell Labs' venerable Unix operating system, written for personal computers. With a very strong grass-roots movement, Linux users are in the millions world-wide. The reason for the Linux phenomenon stems from the input and support of Linux users around the world. Unlike Microsoft who sell a site license giving you the right to install Windows on a certain number of computers, Linux allows its users to pass on their system and to use it on as many computers as they want, even allowing to modify the program (Simnacher 1998). Moreover, you can download Linux from the Internet or get a copy from the North Texas Linux Users Group or another Linux user. Furthermore, Linux fans rave about the operating system's reliability and speed. It can run on relatively old 386-based computers and Linux has versions available for Digital Equipment Corp.'s Alpha 64 workstations and the Macintosh and the Amiga, a computer that Commodore, a computer maker, abandoned (Simnacher 1998).'

Tags:computer, interface, management, software

Abstract
This paper compares these two operating systems, looking at the history of their development and what each system is able to offer. It defines what an operating system is and how the computer user can benefit from these programs.

From the Paper
"Analysts believe one operating system has a slight chance to be a success story and that system is Linux, a version of Bell Lab's Unix Operating system written for personal computer (Simnacher, 1F). Linux has a strong base and a grass roots movement, with users into the millions worldwide. The reason some industry observers think it may hurt the Windows family even though IBM could not, comes from the input and support of Linux users around the world (Simnacher, 1F)."

Tags:computer, system, user, software, application