Introduction
Linux operating system was developed by Linus Tovalds, when he was a student in the University of Helsinki in Finland. His interest was to develop a system that could exceed the standards of Minux system. His first version called Linux kernel version 0.2 was developed in 1991. However in 1994, Linux was able to develop version 1.0 of Linux kernel. With the permit of GNU (General Public License), this version could be accessed freely. This formed the basis of Linux operating system. The latest version of Linux operating system is version 2.6 which was developed in 2003.This paper will give my report as the director of the information systems on the implication of Linux in the operations of support incorporation.
While conducting my research in 66 companies that used Linux operating system, I came up with a report. This report summarizes the various issues the companies faced while using Linux operating system. Majority of the companies were using Windows NT system before emulating the Linux operating system. Only few firms were previously using UNIX operating system. The pie chart below summarizes my findings:
Most of the firms reported that Linux system was of higher quality than the previous operating system. This is because they had noted great improvements while using Linux system. Some firms also noted that no improvements were recorded while using Linux. However a few firms viewed Linux as inferior to their previous operating system. They would prefer the previous operating system they were using to Linux. The pie chart below summarizes these findings.
Disadvantages of Linux
Even though majority of the firms urged that only few applications could run Linux operating system, other firms urged that the available application used with Linux were inferior. Very few firms argued that they could not access enough documentation of the system. However, some firms urged that they did not experience any problem while using Linux. The graph below summarizes the shortcomings of Linux as depicted by the 66 companies.
Advantages of Linux
Majority of the firms urged that Linux was more reliable and powerful than their previous operating system while other firms urged that they found it easier to use Linux operating system. Only a few firms stated that they did not experience any positive change while using Linux operating system. The pie chart below summarizes these findings.
Most firms used Linux operating system as a desktop and network system. As portrayed by the pie chart below, other firms used Linux entirely as a network system or as a desktop system. The pie chart below summarizes these findings:
Linux operating system is freely downloadable form the internet. This explains why majority of the firms obtained this software by downloading from the internet. However a few firms were given as a token for purchasing other software. The pie chart below summarizes these findings.
Recommendations
Being the director of IT, I recommend Support, Inc to consider using Linux operating system as their network system. This is because Linux operating system offers the benefits of full functionality. For example, Linux is able to support system security, management and performance. In addition, Linux operating system also has the advantage of layout independence. Hence, support Inc can increase their hardware components by making small changes in the source code. These is not possible while using Windows NT System (John et al, 2003, p 3)
References
Advani, P. (2000). Microsoft Office for Linux. London, Technologies (I) Pvt. Ltd.
John, E. Maria, E. Dorothea, M. Ingolf, S. (2003) Linux on the mainframe. Prentice Hall PTR.
Information on linux. Web.