[NTLUG:Discuss] Any open source success stories?

[Steve Baker]

Lance Simmons wrote:

> I'd like to persuade people on the committee to look into other
> possible sources of software, but I'm not as clear as I'd like
> to be about what exactly is possible now with free software.
> Does anyone have any success stories about institutions that
> have moved away from microsoft products in one area or another
> and lived to tell the tale?

I work for L3 communications in Arlington - we design & build
flight simulators.

We use Linux for virtually all of the (PC-based) simulator subsystems
these days.  Windoze is completely unusable for the kinds of things
we do.

> One of the concerns people have expressed about free software is
> that "you can't get support for it". Is that still true?

Sure!

Microsoft Support:

  You:  I have a problem with italic fonts in Wo...
  Them: Reinstall it.
  You:  I havn't finished telling you the problem yet.
  Them: I know - just reinstall it.
  You:  I already did reinstall word.
  Them: ReInstall Windoze then.

Linux Support:

  You:  Say - You are the guy that wrote the italic font support in
        XYZWord-for-Linux - I have this problem....etc.
  Him:  Hmmm - you're right.  Change line 234 of file XYZ.c and
        recompile it.  That'll fix it for now...but I'm afraid
        I can't make a new version until tomorrow afternoon.

I mean - yes - there IS no Linux support (unless you buy support
from RedHat or someone).  But in practical terms, if you have
a problem, there is *ALWAYS* a mailing list you can turn to where
there are a hundred people who can help with your problem...and
the author is always there if its' a really serious problem.

If all else fails - you have the source code.

> Does anyone have any encouraging words, or should I just go
> along with the proposal to sign up for the microsoft package
> deal once again, so our students will be able to buy microsoft
> office suites for $15 or whatever?

You should fight and scream and kick and do whatever you can!
 
-- 
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