I Linux-converted my job

[MattGSX]

So I just realized today that all but 2 employees (out of 9) at my job all use either Puppy or Ubuntu (me being the Puppy user). It started with our marketing kid using my desktop (the Ubuntu machine) and appreciating the quick boot time. Then, they liked the idea of having software to do anything installed from a trusted source under 2 minutes, for free. Then they liked the idea of desktop tweaking. and then... etc, etc, etc. It sux, though, because one or two will need to switch back to Windows since they'll need to use Peoplesoft for order management (one of our customers insists on using it, and they're worth $200-300K), and I can't use my system for invoicing, so I'll need to set up another workstation JUST to run Windows to access DoD's Wide Area Work Flow to submit fed. gov invoices and print Mil-STD labels (only accessible through Windows + IE 6-7).

</fanboy>

[trevelyn]

you need to re-arrange your "invoicing" using MySQL, and recode Peoplesoft with python or perl   Then present this to them with a cool video and graphs presentation at a meeting.. I'm telling you, it works.

[MattGSX]

Tell you the truth, I put in multiple requests for them to add "support" for Ubuntu + Firefox. There are no Windows-native features of WAWF (the fed. invoicing system), and there is no real reason to require Windows. We'll see if they cave this time.

[Nod]

You couldn't run it from a virtual machine?

/stupid question who's answer is obviously no.

[Zazen]

need to switch back to Windows since they'll need to use Peoplesoft

I can't use my system for invoicing

need to set up another workstation JUST to run Windows

need to re-arrange your "invoicing" using MySQL

recode Peoplesoft with python or perl

put in multiple requests for them to add "support"

run it from a virtual machine

This is basically my experience with companies that try to use linux on their desktops. Yes, I'm sure there are exceptions but I haven't seen them myself. All that free software sure is expensive in the long run.

[trevelyn]

yeah, someone might actually have to use their fucking brain.

[MattGSX]

My own mediocre attempt at humor has been highly amusing to myself., this is actually pretty funny.

We have 1 machine running Windows. This machine is used for all of our government/military invoicing, as well as Quickbooks. The machine is just a run-of-the mill desktop we already had.

Nod - the virtual machine option was realistic as well. Since we have an extra de-commissioned server, I might set up Enterprise Desktop for everyone and just have a Windows option, but I'd really prefer not to have to do that.

[Zazen]

yeah, someone might actually have to use their fucking brain.

Totally. For days or weeks or months at $20-$50 per hour.