SA's page of IT topics

SA's Linux Reference Pages

Linux is open source software. This means that the community that uses the software also openly contributes to it. Therefore, these pages below are my effort to give back to the open source community. Hopefully, they will provide a good reference tool for some, and at the same time demonstrate that Linux is a very viable Windows replacement. All information provided has been obtained personally from my years as a systems administrator in multiple environments.

Open Source Software vs. Commercial Software:
Migration from Windows to Linux
An IT Professional's Testimonial
I finally sat down one day after years of frustration with Microsoft products. After 12 years in the IT world running both open source and closed source software side by side, I have come to realize that open source wins, and has been in my opinion for a long time. Many businesses and individuals are blindfolded by Windows and do not realize that open source reaps many benefits. Not only from a cost standpoint, but from a bunch of political reasons as well. Many do not realize that Microsoft has been playing the game of vendor lock-in for many years with its customers, is strictly focused on making a profit instead of writing quality software, and in the end the customer loses. With open source, nobody is out to make a profit, and therefore you get quality software that costs nothing. This article goes into vast depth of these concepts and provides supporting reasons and evidence behind them.

Migrating from Windows to Fedora 10 Linux
Common tasks to get a Linux system up and running for those just getting started, and a few tips to get around some common issues on a fresh Fedora installation. I have documented fixes that I needed to put in place, as well as provide some helpful suggestions on software installations and customizing Linux.

Linux Router and Firewall Setup
Why purchase an expensive and locked down hardware router/firewall, when you can set up a Linux computer to act as a router/firewall at a fraction of the cost? Linux provides a very powerful solution which can match functionality and even surpass models by Cisco, Dell, HP, etc. What many people don't even know is that many routers made by Linksys/Cisco run Linux on them. One of the most stable and popular Linksys routers, the WRT54GL, is based on Linux. The system can be upgraded and hardware easily replaced on a Linux router computer because it takes advantage of the modular design of an ordinary PC. My instructions provide the basics for setting up a powerful router/firewall computer using CentOS. This was also tested on a Pentium II 266 computer, which easily handles as a router/firewall.

The Linux Store
Show your Linux pride! This CafePress store has everything from t-shirts, sweatshirts, clocks, mugs, you name it. Rare and hard-to-find items with great Linux (anti-Microsoft) gear. Designs in this store were created with Inkscape.