Comparing Different Linux Vendors Research Paper

Comparing Different Linux Vendors - Research Paper Example It is based on Unix. Linux was developed in collaboration with many different companies, thus, all these companies are responsible for its development. The development and research costs are shared amongst the partners and other competitors. As many companies are involved, there is lot of innovation in this operating system. Here we will discuss three major distributors of Linux, namely: Ubuntu, Fedora and Linux Mint. It is also important to understand their advantages and disadvantages in servers and workstations. Ubuntu Server and Workstations – Installation of Ubuntu is easy which is beneficial for business. Its foundations are built on the bases of Debian. This server is fast and delivers high performance, which makes it highly reliable. It is composed of many new server based applications like â€Å"LAMP, file server, firewall and thin client support† â€Å"With LAMP it is easy to setup a web server, database applications and dynamics websites.† â€Å"It in cludes the use of thin clients using LTSP (linux terminal server project). Thus saving the cost on expensive hardware to keep up to date with the ever growing pc demands† (Ubuntu Server, 1998, para.4). Ubuntu is free. Strong firewalls prevent the server from any attacks, thus making it secure. It provides high security. It has a â€Å"bunch of applications like Open Office, alternative to Microsoft Office, web browsers, email clients, games, audio & movie players, image editors and many more† (Ubuntu Workstation, 1998, para.2). Applications can be downloaded free of cost. It is stable and there are rarely any errors or system crashes. It is a secure operating system as there are no viruses or any other applications that could harm the computer. Ubuntu is not easy to use. It has an online community, which offers support and provides updates for the improvement of the system. Updates of Ubuntu are available every six months. Ubuntu’s approach towards new technologi es is conservative, unlike Fedora, which rather supports new technologies. Ubuntu is found to have hardware complaints, which makes it less stable than Fedora. It requires a reasonable space to work efficiently as it is large. Fedora Server and Workstations – Fedora is an open source and, therefore, it can be downloaded, installed and shared for free. It has a wide range of free applications available. Free from virus, thus, no hassles with antivirus software and spywares. A powerful operating system, which is both efficient and secure. Consists of new features making it more flexible and stable. It is reliable as any kind of hardware failures are efficiently handled without affecting the entire operating system. Help docs are provided and there are communities that provide assistance when needed. Updates are released twice in a year, so no long wait is required to achieve latest software. Frequent updates are also a drawback as it makes it look less stable. It may be a good choice but a new user may find it hard to use. â€Å"Ruby,Python,Database Server: MySQL 5.0.67,Mail Server: Postfix ,DNS Server: BIND9 (chrooted) ,FTP Server: proftpd,POP3/IMAP server: Dovecot,Webalizer for web site† (Timme, 2012, para.2). If some issue arises, the user has to resort to the command line in order to complete the task In case of software updates with two packages, it is difficult to trace the unwanted package. There is a