Ansteth Research Computer Services

Solutions

Let us provide solutions for your computer and network needs.

Currently we are recommending Linux-based systems to most customers. Although we can help you with many types of software and hardware, we think Linux offers the best technology, the best price, and the most reasonable licensing arrangements.

Today's low-cost hardware can be combined with "broadband" Internet connections and very powerful and secure "free" Linux-based software. Together, they offer great value. From stand-alone workstations to industrial-strength servers, these technologies are benefiting individuals, small companies, and large organizations.

At the desktop, there are familiar "windows" environments and "office productivity" programs (comparable to Microsoft Office word processing, presentation management, spreadsheets, etc.) For web browsing, there is Firefox. For Photoshop-like graphics manipulation, there is GIMP.

(Linux runs on laptops too.)

For servers, there is all the power of a Unix-like operating system. Name the service. It's likely Linux can provide it: web, database, domain name, email, print, file (SMB/Samba), etc.

Debian

We feature the Debian GNU/Linux distribution. There are never any software licensing fees. We handle the installation and setup. Thereafter, keeping your system up-to-date is fast and easy.

The Debian distribution includes more than 8000 software packages. It costs less than $20 (or is free if you take the time and trouble to download it all). People who are accustomed to paying hundreds, or thousands, of dollars for software are surprised that so much high quality software is available for so little. How can they sell it for so little (or give it away)? A better question is, "How can Microsoft--and others--charge so much?"

Why we usually recommend Linux:

The advantages of Linux over "proprietary" systems are many, and go well beyond the question of cost. Among other benefits, Linux systems are known for their superior reliability and security.

However, it is not an either/or choice. Linux-based systems and proprietary systems work perfectly well together over network connections. This means you can use Linux systems to expand capabilities and add services at minimal cost. For example, you might consider adding a Linux system as a backup repository. Or you could add an in-house web-page server. There are many, many possibilities.

Additionally, proprietary products, such as from Microsoft, can often be entirely replaced with Linux-based equivalents. This is a money-saving option when it can be done, as it often can be, with minimal disruption to ongoing operations, and with minimal training requirements for users.

Another potential source of savings is the use of older hardware. Linux often works perfectly on older equipment, or on "non-Intel" computers.

Linux's usefulness extends beyond the workplace. With low-cost hardware and Linux, it may be desirable to set up a client/server network for home users. For example, one system could handle Internet connections and printing for several family computers. And Linux is an unsurpassed educational resource for students interested in computer science.

We offer:

• Complete, tested GNU/Linux-based servers and workstations. These are custom systems, assembled according to your requirements. Currently, a basic system costs about $750, all hardware and software included.
• Help with your network design and Internet connectivity decisions
• LPI-certified Linux systems administration, either remotely or at your location
• Basic PC hardware repairs and upgrades
• Basic Windows support
• Conversion to GNU/Linux from other platforms
• Training for users, programmers, and systems administrators
• Custom software development: web sites, databases, "LAMP" applications, C/C++, Java, Scheme/Lisp, etc.

Please contact Philip Ansteth, 918-743-6342; 575-776-2468

More information:

• Terminology:
  • Linux vs. GNU/Linux: The correct term is GNU/Linux, but this is usually abbreviated to Linux.
  • Free vs. Open Source: The better word is free, which refers to freedom, not price. Open source is, however, more-or-less synonymous for practical purposes.
• Basic server: it can provide virtually any service over a local network: files, database, web pages, backups, etc.
• Basic workstation or home PC: word-processing, spreadsheets, email, and more--everything you need!
• Pricing
• Network design and systems administration
• Pragmatic considerations when using Linux: Why the most idealistic approach may also be the most practical