Open Source Software Can Help Your Business

Most people are cautious about making major changes to their business infrastructure.  That includes changing the way their computer networks and software are set up.  Making the switch to open source software might seem daunting at first, but there are ways to introduce it into your business without risk.  Here are a few basic steps towards changing your business over to using open source programs.

Start Small
Not all open source software requires a major change to the way you operate.  There are a few simple additions you can make to your existing desktop environment without disturbing the arrangements you already have.  For instance, you can add programs like OpenOffice.org, Firefox, and Thunderbird without removing Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Outlook from your machine.  That lets you”test drive” open source software while still having access to your familiar programs.  You can even use a dual boot setup to try out Linux distributions while still running Windows.

The easiest way to try out open source software to see if it's right for your business, is to run it alongside your normal programs.  This way, learning to use new software doesn't interrupt your normal business procedure, even if you experience errors or trouble learning to use features.  In fact, one of the big bonuses of many open source programs is the ability to install them without disturbing any other software you may be using.  Unlike many Microsoft programs, which overwrite portions of Windows when you install them, open source software is usually designed to leave files shared by other programs alone.

Run Older Programs As Backups
The next step in making the switch from proprietary software to open source programs is making them your default for the tasks that you use them for.  Once you've decided to use a piece of open source software, ask Windows to make it the default association for appropriate file types.  Many programs offer you the option to do this on startup.  If you don't see this option, you can make the change through the Control Panel's file association dialog.  Since you're running the programs without deleting your old standbys, you can go back to a more familiar piece of software if you run into trouble.

Once you've gotten used to using everyday open source software, you can experiment with changing your operating system.  It sounds scary, but most Linux distributions can be installed without fuss.  Many have even been designed to run from a CD.  Just put the disc in your drive and reboot the machine.  Linux will start up immediately.  When you're done trying out the OS, you can take out the CD and boot back to Windows again.  Live-CD versions of Linux, as they're called, include Knippix, gOS, and Ubuntu, as well as many others.  If you prefer a distribution that's not available on a Live-CD, you can install it in a separate partition on your hard drive, usually without disturbing your existing Windows installation.

If your Live-CD distribution runs a little slow, remember that this is because all information must be read from the disc.  When installed directly onto the hard drive, your Linux distribution will run more quickly.  Take some time to get used to using a new OS – the layout and feel will be a little different.  However, if you find that using Linux is worthwhile, it can make a big difference for your business.  Instead of paying for multiple licenses, you'll be able to save a lot of money on useful programs and utilities by using open source software that's comparable to the proprietary programs you've been using.

Getting started using open source software can take some time and getting used to.  However, it can be done at your leisure, and with no risk to you or your business, simply by installing it alongside the software you're already using.  This allows you to experience the benefits of open source software without finding yourself stuck with it before you're ready.  Experience the best of both worlds.  Try an open source program today.  You could improve your business's efficiency, and save money on the cost of software. 

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