Are you interested in reducing the cost, risk, and complexity of your computer network?

People who answer "yes" to that question are increasingly choosing the Linux operating system as an affordable, safe and stable alternative to Microsoft's software.

Linux is a computer Operating System just like Microsoft Windows or Apple Mac OSX.

However, since it was developed by Linus Torvalds at the University of Helsinki in Finland in 1991, Linux has been collaboratively developed over the Internet by thousands of individuals and companies, making it a functionally rich and stable software product.

Linux has certainly attracted the attention of Microsoft, whose CEO Steve Ballmer has said "Linux is a serious competitor".

The truth about Linux is that it's cost effective, reliable, secure, scalable and here to stay.

Linux can perform a wide range of network functions, from a file/print/database server to an Internet Web Server or Firewall.

My company has converted many Adelaide networks to Linux from Novell and Microsoft. The beauty is that people using the computers don't even notice the difference, except that their network is faster, safer and more reliable.

Linux is also emerging as a viable replacement to the operating system you currently use on your desktop.

One reason is that you can save thousands of dollars in software licensing costs by using StarOffice, Sun's alternative to Microsoft Office, or the Open Source version called OpenOffice. Already large companies such as Telstra, with 45,000 desktops, are seriously looking at it.

The next time you decide to invest in upgrading your network, do yourself a favour. Reduce the cost, risk, and complexity of your computer network by taking a serious look at Linux.

By Victor Ratnieks*

* Victor Ratnieks, B.App.Sc.(Comp.), MACS, is managing director of Align Systems, an Adelaide company that provides IT solutions for Small to Medium Size Enterprises. Visit www.align.com.au or call 08 8365 3822 for more details about how you can benefit from Linux.