Giving up Windows for work
Since finally getting round to installing OpenSuse 10.2 on my laptop, I’m going to be trying to live without MS Operating systems on the desktop during working hours. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while. The reasons are mainly stability, transparency of errors when they do occur and ease of upgrading / adding software.
Featured Linux Distributions
For completeness, I ought to state that at work we are currently standardising on CentOS for our Cpanel/WHM servers (there are a few instances of Fedora Core hanging around but those are being phased out).
I will also have to run Microsoft OS’s in Virtual Machines for support purposes at work as we need to be able to attempt to replicate reported issues with XP and Vista - as well as keep them around simply to remain familiar. Having these as (hopefully) throwaway virtual instances will aid us in instances where the problem must be reproduced with an esoteric set of desktop software that would be difficult to put in place or downgrade to on a “proper” work desktop.
Whilst I personally believe it’s fine to promote and indeed increase your skills in one technology over another, being too blinkered can lead to a sort of career sepuku 
No matter how much as a troubleshooter or admin you may learn to love Linux keep your existing skills polished.
Next time
I’ll be looking at the applications on Linux that have replaced their Win32 predecessors.
Rowan :: Apr.15.2007 :: Giving up Windows, Linux, Operating Systems, Vista :: No Comments »