Compare and Contrast Three Linux Distributors.

Purpose: There will be a compare contrast on various Linux distributions that are being offered by three different vendors.
Thesis: My manager has ask to research on the feasibility of using a Linux distribution in both the server and workstation environments. We will cover all appropriate issues including total cost of ownership, available training, available support, product reliability, and application availability.

Compare and Contrast Three Linux Distributors.
INTRODUCTION

I. Should we consider using a Linux based system in our business?

A. The pros and cons to using Linux in the commercial environment B. How does Linux compare to other popular alternatives. C. Other important issues to consider before switching.

BODY

II. Should we consider using a Linux based system in the commercial environment ?

1. Point One
A. One of the biggest factors to consider is what the bottom line price of the system is with a Linux based system, we can either download a version free of charge from one of many different vendors available on the internet today, or we can purchase a package from a reputable vendor.

B. The next issue that we need to consider is how we are going to train our staff in the use of this new system. Before we actually perform the switch to the new system, our IT staff will conduct training seminars that every employee will need to attend.

C. The next issue we will need to consider is support. If there is any major downside to using a Linux system, then this would be it. If we look at the technical support system that is offered by a company such as Microsoft, then we can see that a Linux based system falls way off the mark. Microsoft has a huge support base, and technical assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days
Week.

III. Red Hat Inc.
A. “Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is one hundred percent stable and performs very well. As a matter of fact, it is more stable and performs better than Microsoft’s Windows operating systems.” (Attwood, 2011) The major disadvantage to using this system is that there is a cost involved.

B. These pros do come at a price, however and the cost of obtaining these services may be comparable to using a Microsoft Windows application.

IV. CentOS

A. CentOS is one of the most popular linux distributions used for web servers today. This is due mainly to its low cost, reliability and ease of use. In many cases the software can be loaded onto a disk and then installed on as many servers or workstations as the user needs.

B. The major cost in ownership of any Microsoft Windows product is the cost of the licensing, which can run into a huge expense. CentOS has distributions which can be used on both the server and the workstation which allows great compatibility between these devices without any major performance issues. Support for CentOS products generally come in the form of online blogs, websites and chat rooms.

V. SuSe
A. The benefit to this is that the distribution is relatively bug-free. There is a lot of attention that is given to compatibility and operability between this program and other programs that will need to interface with it. There are many programs that come with the distribution, which will enable the user to accomplish a great many tasks.

B. openSUSE very closely resembles a