Linux and the applications written to run on the open-source operating system can offer a small business numerous advantages.

Perhaps the main reason why a small business might consider running Linux instead of, or alongside, Windows is the fact that it’s open source. So, when you get a copy of Linux you get the source code, not just the executable software, as is the case with a proprietary platform such as Windows.

You can then change and recompile that source code to fix problems, add functionality, or develop new applications of your own. The only stipulation is that you continue to make the modified source code available freely to anyone who wants it.

This is a potential advantage to companies involved in software development, but most companies simply want tools to help run their businesses.

The other advantage is that most open-source software can be distributed for free so that, for example, you can install the same copy of Linux on every PC and server in your company without having to worry about licence fees or visits from the Federation Against Software Theft inspectors.

And much the same applies to most of the open-source applications written to run on Linux.

It’s important to understand, though, that open-source software is still licensed and therefore not always free.

In fact, there are lots of different licences that can be applied, many of which involve some kind of payment. However, most open-source software is free, typically distributed under a GNU General Public Licence.

Another benefit is the masses of bundled application software you get with most of the Linux distributions. This can result in a huge cost saving, although that is not the only benefit.

In addition, there can be advantages in terms of reliability and security, with far fewer Linux viruses and other vulnerabilities compared with Windows.

Some, of course, would argue that this is because of its lack of popularity, with a lot more Windows users than those running Linux.

On the downside, Linux isn’t Windows and, although some of the skills required to install, manage and maintain the software are transferable, many are not.

This is something that can be a big issue for the small business already short on PC skills, and one that needs to be weighed up before embarking on any Linux-based project.

Distros for courses
Unlike a proprietary operating system such as Windows, Linux distributions (also known as ‘distros’) differ depending on the developer involved. They can come with different user interfaces, different setup routines, management tools and hardware support options.

Some will also be targeted at desktop deployment, while others concentrate on servers or sometimes both.

Levels of support available can vary enormously, too – from so-called community support, where you are reliant on finding other people who’ve had the same problems, to full-blown commercial service contracts.

Linux distros can answer most of your questions. However, bear in mind that most Linux packages are aimed at home users and enthusiasts; only a handful are designed for business use.

Minding your business
Business-oriented distros tend to be much more stable releases. They won’t be replaced with new versions every six months, as is common with enthusiast-focused packages, and are widely used as standard development platforms, making for easier application deployment if you go for one of the business brands compared with the others.

You can also expect a higher level of support, both from the Linux community and, in many cases, commercially.

The market leader in business Linux is Red Hat, which pulled out of the personal market to concentrate on its Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) product line.

However, despite being an open-source solution, you need a subscription to obtain the executable code for RHEL, as well as automatic updates and access to its online support service, Red Hat Network.

The end result will still be cheaper than a comparable Windows deployment, but it’s not totally free. Red Hat subscriptions are based on the number of processors and users involved with several different server and desktop packages.

For high-end server use, for example, RHEL AS is licensed for any number of processors and any amount of memory. There’s full support for 64-bit processors, SMP (symmetric multiprocessing) and a wide range of architectures with implementations, for example, on IBM Power and mainframe systems, as well as Intel platforms.

For the small business, the RHEL ES package is a better, more affordable option, licensed for dual processors and up to 16GB of memory. For desktop use, there’s RHEL WS, designed for dual-processor workstations, and RHEL Desktop for PCs with a single CPU.

All versions are well documented and supported, making good business platforms, with RHEL available as a factory-installed option on servers from IBM, HP, Dell and others.