How we did it

How we did it We tested each edition for compatibility on four Intel platforms, including a Compaq Proliant DL380 server with dual 733-MHz Pentium CPUs, 512M bytes of dynamic RAM, and a 18G-byte Compaq Smart Array equipped with nine Seagate disks; Compaq Proliant 3000 machines with twin 550- or 450-MHz CPUs, 512M bytes of DRAM, and up to six hard drives with Smart Array/Mylex OEM SCSI controllers; Hewlett-Packard LPR D9348 with a 600-MHz Pentium processor, 256M bytes of DRAM, and twin 18G-byte hard drives; an HP 6435 desktop PC with a Pentium 633-MHz Pentium CPU, 256M bytes of DRAM, an Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) drive, and an SMC Ethernet controller.

Certain distributions had more driver support than others. A part of the Linux culture is to obtain drivers that aren't found in the distribution bundle through the Internet, a practice that while slightly inconvenient, is often recommended for users of enterprise-oriented network operating systems that compete with Linux.

We looked for ease of installation, enterprise server flavored features and administrative support, as well as printed, installed and Web site documentation and support. We also looked for settings that after installation (and in default settings) were inherently more secure. We also added points for extra enterprise-oriented applications.

Henderson, a former communications engineering executive, is principal researcher and Lassitor is a Webmaster and research associate for ExtremeLabs in Indianapolis.

Back to the main review

Technology Insider: Linux
Linux, the open source Unix variant, is making a serious run at the enterprise.

Interactive Scorecard and NetResults

Also rans
The Debian/GNU and Slackware distros have ardent fans that use them in network operations centers and Web operations throughout the world.

Research: Linux
Links to Linux articles and resources from Network World and the 'Net.

Linux news
The latest Linux news from Network World and around the 'Net.