[OPLINTECH] OPLINTECH Digest, Vol 95, Issue 9

[Tim Burns]

Unfortunately- this is exactly the conversation about Windows 8. Most of our public access patrons are interested in web browsing-- not so much the OS or any productivity tools. If I keep current, should I expect my public service staff also to keep current? (who's going to tell them ;) ). 


Thinking about software, I'd rather ask a user to login to an online account (google) and save documents in the cloud- for further reference. They don't require any high end word processing functionality. Are we not doing them a service by promoting/providing cloud-based computing? 


Further we some training here... (a la ECO or Broadband initiatives....) many libraries have been involved with this. Same question, why not take advantage of Google Apps, for example. 


So "yes", if there are libraries that have moved away from the travails of windows- that's what I'm looking to model. 


"Virus-free" is a correct assertion, as far as viruses in the wild. ( http://guides.macrumors.com/Mac_Virus/Malware_FAQ ) Is this information inaccurate? 


Tim 



Date: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 15:34:49 +0000 
From: Greg Syferd <GSyferd at columbuslibrary.org> 

I agreed with Chad on this topic. I'm a die hard Mac user, but in no way would I say they are the best tool for the job. The majority of customers are going to be familiar with Windows and I don't see that changing any time soon. Additionally, what's public service staff's ability to answer technical questions? Are they comfortable with learning a new technology? 

Tim, I think you were onto something with your original statement, which I would encourage you to further explore. All systems have a cost of ownership associated with them. That's something that should weigh heavily into your decision. 

My experience has shown that *nix systems may not have a large capital cost. However, they require expertise to stay on top of things, and there is constant volatility in the development community that could affect long term support of products. Macs certainly have a larger capital investment, but you can get long life from them. However, the cost of integration with other services is likely to be steep. I think we all know about Windows and it's travails. 

My advice, don't make a decision just based on maintenance, virus experiences, etc. Whenever you insert a new tech into your environment, be sure you've analyzed all the other systems/services that could be impacted. 

Good luck! 

Greg. 


On Sep 16, 2013, at 9:24 AM, Chad Neeper <cneeper at level9networks.com<mailto:cneeper at level9networks.com>> wrote: 

First and foremost, while *nix is generally more hardened than Windows, don't think "virus-free" is a correct or safe assertion. ...for either Apple devices or GNU/Linux devices. *nix-based devices can be attacked just as Windows-based devices are. It's simply economies of scale and cost/benefit. As *nix devices become more prevalent, they become more and more of an attractive target. We're already starting to see that in android (which is based on a Linux kernel, which is a variant of GNU, which could be thought of as a FOSS version of Unix). We've also seen it on the Apple OS X platforms (based upon Unix). So always take appropriate measures! 

That being said, I'm also using free open source Linux-based platforms where I can get away with it: back-end servers (file/http/ftp/mail/etc servers), network perimeter firewalls, and single-purpose kiosk-type computers (web kiosk/catalog-only computers). For the most part, though, the user-facing computers still remain Windows-based computers. Windows is what the staff/patrons/schools/community still seem to want the most from the libraries I work with. I'd be happy to put more Linux-based user-facing computers in, but we just don't quite seem to be there yet, on a wider scale. 

2 cents, 
Chad 



______________________________ 
Chad Neeper 
Senior Systems Engineer 

Level 9 Networks 
740-548-8070 (voice) 
866-214-6607 (fax) 

Full LAN/WAN consulting services -- Specialized in libraries and schools 


On Fri, Sep 13, 2013 at 7:02 PM, Tim Burns <tim.burns at birchard.lib.oh.us<mailto:tim.burns at birchard.lib.oh.us>> wrote: 
Dear Braintrust, 

Are there any OPLIN libraries that have moved away from (or not been there to start with) Microsoft Windows? In light of the virus-free MacOS, and inexpensive Linux and derivatives, it would make sense to give consideration. (At a Clevnet Tech meeting -- folks (Wayne County I think) were explaining some of the linux kiosk software and other utilities they use.) 

Sincerely, 
-- 

Tim Burns 
Birchard Public Library 

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