Re: Information Technology Standards and Guidelines

[Linux Idiot <esoteric@atlnet.com>]

Mark Hinds wrote:
> 
> Here are the standards for computing platforms
> for MA gov applications. Poke around in it. It
> basically says Microsoft and Intel.
> 
> All the links are quite typical of the corporate
> IT BS being spewed these days.
> 
> http://www.magnet.state.ma.us/itd/standard/
> 
> The standard PC is a P2/233 + 32megs, 17" mon, and NT4.0
> Price $1650-$1800
> 
> My recommendation: Cyrix M2/200 + 64megs, 17" mon, and Linux
> Price $900-$1100 (This is what I'm using right now at home).
> 
> Their Office apps are word/excel or wordperfect/l123.
> Price $200-$500
> 
> I recommend Applix Ware for $80.
> 
> I just saved MA $800-$1000 per PC, and they'd be just as
> functional.

You're wrong.  More functional and more stable. :)  Think about it,
every person with a Linux box has a true multi-user machine.  If I want
I can set up an ftp server on every box, web server on every box.  Try
that with NT.  MS Outlook has the inbox 'out of office assistance' which
will permit you to send a canned message automagically to people you
receive email from.  From Linux, I have my email set up so that,
depending on who the email is from, it will either:

1. send the a custom response, based on who they are
2. the above as well as page me.
3. delete the email, again based on who they are
4. forward the email to another email address
5. file the email in a particular folder

Try doing a set of combinations like that in NT/Outlook.  The point is,
Microsoft builds products assuming that they know everything you will
want to do.  If they don't think of everything, and they never do, then
you're either out of luck, or have to jump through some major hoops (or
spend major money) to do what you want to do.  Under Linux (bsd...) your
options are open because the standards are open.  Try converting Outlook
email to standard SMTP mail format.  To my knowledge it can't be done. 
Proprietary MS crap.

The point is, we have to tell people that they can not only same big
bucks, but they can DO MORE, not just the same things.  People are very
restricted by the MS design and it's intentional.

> 
> Mark

-- 
Until later: Geoffrey		esoteric@atlnet.com

NT is secure.... as long as you don't remove the shrink wrap.
Want to speed up your NT box real cheap?  Replace NT with Linux...