Open Source Software for Business - Whatchu talkin' about Willis?
THERE ARE OPEN SOURCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE THAT CAN HELP GET YOUR HOME-BASED BUSINESS UP AND RUNNING IN NO TIME
I have a tendency to switch operating systems often, and therefore, I have tried many different Linux distributions over the years. My first foray into the world of Linux was installing Red Hat version 3.0.3 Code Named - Picasso. Over the years, as newer variations of Red Hat, and then different forks of the Linux OS emerged, I would install and try them - always searching for my favourite Linux.
Eventually hard drives got bigger and more powerful, and I was able to have two or three Linux distributions installed on one computer; and the fascination with testing new operating systems increased. If you look at the top 50 Linux and open source operating systems on the www.distrowatch.com website today, I can honestly say I've installed and tried forty of them, and some more than once as newer updated versions arrived with different features.
SO WHAT's MY POINT? YOU ASK
Recently, I found a new distribution which I have downloaded and installed to my home computer to test out and use as the operating system for my home-based internet marketing business. Yes, most Linux distributions can be used as the backbone for a home-based business because they come equipped with all the essential business tools - internet, email, word processor, presentation software, graphic software and a spreadsheet program.
The thing that impressed me the most about SolydX and SolydK are that they were created with business in mind. The variation in names is merely a preference for the desktop look with X representing XFCE or a slimmed down desktop (lighter, faster), and K represents the KDE desktop which is a fuller and customizable desktop.
SolydK also has a back office edition available - SolydK Back Office which includes many features not often seen in general-use Linux distributions.
Along with these additional features, SolydK BO also includes LibreOffice - An Open Source Productivity Suite / Dia - An Open Source Diagram Creation Program / and ProjectLibre - An Open Source Project Management Application.
In the coming weeks, as I use these various programs and master the applications, I'll include a review of this very interesting free and open source business software.
Recent Comments
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I was a MS systems engineer many years ago at Hewlett Packard, working with a bunch of UNIX geeks - that's where I learned about Open Source. I've never broken myself of the MS habit (when you're learning a new biz, the last thing you want to have to learn is new tech!), but the "openness" has always been attractive to me!
Can we count on you to teach us more? "Inquiring minds WANT to know!"
As we used to say back in my university days studying engineering - those that can, do - those that can't, teach!!
Which is not an affront to those learned and valuable teachers everywhere ... just an observation on some of my more inept university profs back in the day!
Which is a roundabout way of saying - I'll try to do more justice to the subject matter than some of those ... ummm ... scholars? ... that ... ahem ... taught me engineering!
:oD
I know JUST what you mean - sometimes I think administration doesn't give those "scholars" enough time to prepare, or enough background screening to know if those teachers are able to teach some classes.
I guess the most important thing is to fire up the students, so they can seek more info about the subjects that inspire them!
I'm following as I am an open source advocate myself and tend to search for open source before buying anything.
I never really got into Linux that much. I went the way of mac. However, many of the principals follow through. Typo3 - yep I have used that. It's very powerful and does a great job.
This would be great for an eCommerce site if they have someone who can work with Linux, or they have the time to go through the learning curve. Most start up entrepreneurs don't have the luxury of either; especially those working alone on their on line business.
Still, this post does highlight the fact that there is some very good, professional software around if you just take the time to look. There's a lot for the Windows platform as well.
I enjoy Open Source. It's free, usually updated regularly and supported by enthusiastic and not $$$ driven people. I always donate from time to time and help where i am able. Apart from Win7 it has replaced most of my M$oft stuff.
Please do keep me informed. i don't know anything about open source software, but am very interest in learning more. As you said, thinking outside the box.
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Great, I will like to know more of it either, as to keep my options open on better programs that will suit me better. Anyway, thanks for sharing and do have a great day.