Chances are that you’re currently running a version of Microsoft’s Windows operating system in your workplace. However, believe it or not, there are alternatives to Windows available that cost a fraction of the price. Mandrake Linux is a user friendly Linux OS that specialises in ease-of-use for both servers and the home/office. This particular package is targeted at small business user and it comes in the form of eight CDs, one DVD, and the Starter and Server Administration guides, which taken together provide a comprehensive leap into the world of Linux.
A well-thought-out installer makes this an absolute pleasure to get up and running on pretty much any fairly recent computer. Its hardware support is vast, and its mainly automatic configuration of said hardware is an answer to many a PC user’s prayers.
The application offerings are generous and well integrated; as well as Open Office for general Office Productivity tasks, there is now a Groupware offering integrated into the PowerPack + kit. This Groupware software offers centralised online e-mail and address books. It uses Kontact as client and Kolab as server, and is secure, scalable and reliable. Furthermore it is actually quite easy to configure thanks to its web administration interface.
Mandrake Linux is heavily focused on usability and should be widely
accessible to any user with reasonable computing skills. The easy-to-use Mandrake Linux Control Centre provides a single location from which to access all the important hardware and system configuration utilities, and includes the configuration aids for some of the more popular server components: Apache, an accomplished web server; and Postfix, a solid and powerful e-mail server.
Keeping your servers and clients up to date can be quite a daunting task but here, too, Mandrake has provided a management tool, DrakPark, which allows patch management from a central system. Firewall security is handled by the capable Shorewall, which is robust and proved itself in the field. Interconnectivity between the Linux systems and any Windows systems on your network is also well catered for, with file-sharing for Windows handled via Samba 3, which includes the all important support for Microsoft’s Active Directory.
It is really quite difficult to do justice to the many features of this bundle in a short review such as this. This is a professional solution for servers and end-user desktops, with integrated network management features and well-thought-out productivity enhancements plus a technical support package.
Our Verdict
This is meant to take care of all, or most of, your server and desktop needs; it is a fully functional IT package at a fraction of the cost of similar Microsoft offerings. The migration to an open source solution is never to be taken lightly but this is a robust and well presented package to help you do so.
Rating: 4 stars
01/11/04
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