Applications for Linux

Although Linux has not experienced the same success as a workstation operating system as it has at the server level, it is increasingly being looked to as an alternative to the other offerings. Many Linux distributions actually include a "workstation" option that can be selected during the installation process. Instead of installing server-type applications (proxy server, Web server, and so on), the installation focuses on workstation-type applications and utilities.

One of the myths that has traditionally surrounded Linux is the lack of applications that have been written for it. In the early stages of Linux, this might have been true, but it is certainly no longer the case. The range and quality of applications and utilities available for Linux is truly impressive.

As the popularity of Linux has increased, so has the number of software companies developing Linux-friendly applications. One of the most high profile of these companies is Corel, which has developed a WordPerfect Office suite for Linux. Commercially available software for Linux is licensed in the same way as the software for other operating systems: You need a license to install the product, and you do not receive the source code for the program.

In addition to commercially available software, there is also a larger amount of "free" Linux software. For every commercially available Linux software package, there is an equivalent that is available free of charge. A good example of free software is StarOffice, which is an office suite from Sun Microsystems that includes a spreadsheet, word processor, and all the productivity tools required by desktop users. Free Linux software does not end there. You can get firewall software, proxy software, and backup software- just about any software you need to use Linux as a server or desktop solution.

Client connectivity for Linux

In either a server or client configuration, Linux supports many networking protocols, giving it the capability to operate as a client in many network environments. The latest versions of Linux include support for TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, and other protocols. This allows Linux clients to interoperate with common network operating systems, although you might need to install client software on either the client or the server to facilitate connectivity.

In NetWare 6, native file access makes it possible for Linux clients to access NetWare server resources without additional software.