Linux: Alternative in the face of law<\/p>\n
Vishnu K. Mahmud, Contributor, Jakarta, vmahmud@yahoo.com<\/p>\n
The word is out. The law on intellectual property rights (UU
\nHAKI) is scheduled to come into force in July. Selling bootleg
\nsoftware and pirated movies will no longer be tolerated.<\/p>\n
Companies using illegal software must purchase licenses for
\nthe operating systems and computer applications, such as word
\nprocessors and spreadsheet software, utilized. Already, raids
\nagainst illegal DVD vendors have begun in some parts of Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Some segments in the Indonesian IT industry are criticizing
\nthe law, saying that enforcing the regulations would raise prices
\nof new computers by Rp 2 to 8 million, depending on the software
\nrequested. Companies with a large number of computer systems that
\npreviously used pirated software may suddenly face hundreds of
\nmillions of rupiah in software licenses. They can perhaps try and
\nnegotiate with software vendors for a better price, but if money
\nis tough, what can they do?<\/p>\n
Before IT Managers consider jumping out the window in despair
\nover costs, they should remember they always have an alternative
\nchoice: Linux.<\/p>\n
The Linux Operating System is an \"open source\" platform, which
\nsupports software reliability and quality by allowing independent
\npeer reviews toward the rapid evolution of the source code.<\/p>\n
In other words, anyone who creates a program under an open
\nsource can have the actual source code, or a program in legible
\nform, studied by other programmers who may contribute in making
\nthe application more reliable, efficient and robust. In essence,
\na chef can have his omelette recipe evaluated by other chefs to
\nmake sure he has the best-tasting omelette.<\/p>\n
Linux has come a long way from being a geeks-only operating
\nsystem to being an important backbone of the Internet. A rising
\nnumber of servers worldwide are using Linux, which is freely
\ndownloadable online. It is also making inroads into the desktop
\nmarket as well.<\/p>\n
There are many distributions, or distros, of Linux.
\nBasically, companies can take the heart of the Linux operating
\nsystem, known as the kernel, and package it with a user
\ninterface, or desktop, and other software. They would then sell
\nthe operating system as well as customer support, which usually
\ncosts a lot less than regular \"proprietary\" software companies.<\/p>\n
For example, U.S.-based Red Hat (www.redhat.com), perhaps the
\nworld's best-known Linux company, has a look and feel that is
\ntotally different then Suse (www.suse.com) from Germany. But they
\nare both Linux operating systems, and they also allow users to
\ndownload their operating system for free, without the customer
\nsupport.<\/p>\n
As such, there are literally hundreds of Linux distros in the
\nworld that can be customized to meet each individual's
\nrequirements. For a list and reviews of the available Linux
\ndistributions, check out DistroWatch at www.distrowatch.com.<\/p>\n
Everyone has their own favorite choice of Linux distro. This
\nwriter recommends Lycoris (www.lycoris.com) or Mandrake Linux
\n(www.mandrakelinux.com) for home PCs, since it is very user-
\nfriendly. Corporate users can use the aforementioned Red Hat and
\nSuse, but IT managers should take a look at the new Ximian
\nDesktop 2 (XD2) from Ximian (www.ximian.com), which provides one
\nof the best graphical user interfaces.<\/p>\n
XD2 can be downloaded for free, but XD2 Professional edition
\n(US$99) comes with all the necessary tools needed for a business
\nenvironment, such as an e-mail program and productivity suite.
\nThe popular Linux alternative to Microsoft Office, Open Office
\n(www.openoffice.org), is also well integrated into XD2, allowing
\nusers to share documents worldwide as it also saves and reads MS
\nWord format.<\/p>\n
XD2 is perhaps an excellent alternative for companies to
\nswitch to, but like all other Linux products, there are some pros
\nand cons to consider: Users won't be able to run Microsoft
\nWindows-based software such as games or accounting programs
\n(unless you obtain special emulation software such as WineX),
\nthere is a high learning curve to use Linux applications, and
\nsome peripherals or gadgets are not supported (you can't plug in
\ncertain digital cameras, USB drives or PDAs).<\/p>\n
However, the total cost of ownership for a Linux is rather
\nlow, it practically has no virus threats that constantly pound
\nother operating systems, IT administrators can centrally and
\nuniformly maintain user software, and there are thousands of
\npeople worldwide willing to help find or create solutions for
\nyour problems.<\/p>\n
There are quite a few Linux companies in Indonesia that are
\nready to assist and even create customized solutions for your
\nbusiness. Check out eLinux (www.elinux.co.id) or Linuxindo
\n(www.linuxindo.com) to see what is available.<\/p>\n
Changing over to Linux may not be an easy task, but you always
\nhave a choice in life. In this case, you can either pay an
\nenormous fee for software licensing -- which may sink your
\ncompany -- or comply with the law using Linux and evolve your
\nbusiness process using freely available tools.<\/p>\n
The choice is yours.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/linux-alternative-in-the-face-of-law-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }