On Wed, 11 Jul 2001, Coulton,G wrote:
-----Original Message----- From: Mark Evans [mailto:mpe@st-peters-high.devon.sch.uk] Sent: 11 July 2001 14:36 To: Coulton,G Cc: 'Simon Wood'; Schools List Subject: Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] software in schools/piracy
Hi Simon,
I think something came across my desk in relation to Linux a while back. The reason we didn't respond is because :-
a) Trying to manage the network growing as quick as most High Schools netwrks is very time consuming (to give you an idea I have 123 computers to set up using some form of OS, a language lab with 32 machines, interactive whiteboards and another computer room all before September). To change or look at something as (I hesitate to use this word) radical as Linux is a big step and eXTREMELY time consuming, where as I'm sure you'll agree - adding an NT Box as a BDC to the network is extremely simple :)
Since when is a BDC a workstation?
I'm talking about workstations! I'm talking about adding a Linux Server as opposed to an NT / W2K / XP Server
snip
I had to add my mite here as I don't agree at all. Your argument assumes you are moving from NT and learning Linux. I could set up a Linux server much quicker. It is only eXTREMELY time consuming if you start from knowing nothing about it. I would have the same problem in reverse if I
Possibly it's more time consuming for someone knowing only NT, which would only apply to relative newcomers anyway...
ever succumbed to the suggestions I get to install NT - I refuse to do it
I actually have exactly this problem. In that I cannot get a W2K to reliably work as a replacement for our Netware 3.12 server in order to operate SIMS. But the new SQL stuff isn't supported running on a proper SQL server. Interestingly it's only the 95 workstations which have a problem communicating with this server, smbclient has no problem recognising it. Both Microsoft and the LEA people have little idea why it shouldn't work.
as I don't have the time to spare to learn how to do it. If I could see *any* technological advantage in doing so I would have to consider it seriously. I won't go into the rest of the arguments pro/con which we keep rehashing here. I do know that if I ever do get forced into getting involved in NT/W2k I will miss the openness and freedom of information I get using Open Source.
Virtually every time I have to deal with a piece of Windows software (especially if it's from Microsoft) I am left feeling as though I would be better off headbutting a wall. (The only notable exceptions have been Techsoft and Avco Systems.) -- Mark Evans St. Peter's CofE High School Phone: +44 1392 204764 X109 Fax: +44 1392 204763