We have been working in Red Hat Linux (now Fedora Core) for several years as Administrators and Users of this operating system. Over the years we have been using the many software applications that supplement this very stable operating system to perform day-to-day activities as well as in support of MTS, Inc. Since working with the Open Source applications that run under Fedora, we have grown to appreciate the flexibility and freedom for what these applications represent. Having said that, we would like to share our opinion on other Open Source tools and present them to you.

Due to the nature of the way Windows works, its default settings and its presence in the market, it has become a magnet for Adware/Malware/Spyware/Virus activity. The temporary cache directories and the registry are both prone to capture these type of harmful intrusions.

Both Linux and OS X are architected differently than Windows and both are less prone to intrusion (perhaps partly due to market share and perhaps partly due to a better design). Nonetheless, a firewall + Internet security should be addressed for Linux and OS X operating systems.

From the point when Firefox was first introduced (post beta) into the market up to current day, we utilize this browser (Linux and Windows) for all company and personal surfing activity. The use of tabs (to represent each bookmark group) and the location of the search box (available in top right corner) were the initial attractions but we found a more flexible, secure, stable product.

As soon as we discovered the features and flexibility of Firefox we immediately searched for an email client (Linux and Windows) and came across this product. The email client integrates very well with the plugin calendar product Lightning (which we also utilize).

One of the best and most flexible music players we have found is songbird.  This tiny application plays MPS and WAV files with no problem.

It was not long after utilizing Firefox and Thunderbird that we looked for another instant message tool to replace AIM (which we used but did not like the AOL association). We utilize this instant message client (Linux and Windows) for all company and personal im activity.

With a great amount of research and understanding on how things work, using Quicken with the Open Source wine software has enabled us to completely shift from Windows to Open Source. Although the wine configuration can be a bit tricky and there is another layer added to get the application running, it is still a preference. Wine (wine is not an emulator) but a layer of software.

For business and personal productivity we use OpenOffice. With minor changes to the settings we are able to open and save all Excel spreadsheets and Word documents.  Additionally, we can even select the versions of Excel & Word to save with.