TooMuchGreen

Our 1st Desktop Linux for Business workshop highlighted a not unexpected interest for deepened Active Directory integration through expanded Linux client AD group policy scenarios with Likewise Enterprise. Feedback also requested inclusion of working Exchange eMail and corresponding VPN client connectivity to an external domain. Constructive and most welcome requests but through working toward inclusion have once again revived the unfortunate shortfalls across versions of MS Exchange, leading to the usual apportion of potential for conformity with Microsoft at the centre (aren’t they always?).  Read more... (estimated reading time 2:15 mins)

We have now finalised details with NTI Leeds for the desktop Linux integration workshop and are taking bookings. The day is modestly priced at £99 (Full price) or £39 “Funded” for Yorkshire based businesses (Click the banner for booking information)

As previously mentioned, the day is predominantly “hands-on” and is constructed to provide technical integrators with the concept and skills overview required to implement an Ubuntu Linux desktop platform into their existing Microsoft enterprise network.

Content structure is as follows -  Read more... (estimated reading time 49 secs)

Origins

• UNIX
• GNU Foundation
• The Open Source Initiative

Why Linux?

• Stability

Desktop Linux for business has it’s own set of demands addressed by the likes of Active Directory integration through Likewise Open & MS Exchange connectivity through Gnome Evolution (both offered in the latest release of Ubuntu 10.04) however back at the socially networked media hungry home PC things are a little different, luckily that’s where Linux Mint lives and the latest release is most certainly a housemate you’ll enjoy having around.  Read more... (estimated reading time 3:11 mins)

To promote and advise on the suitability of modern day Linux as the refined and viable enterprise desktop client it has become MEBBI™ Solutions are working together with NTI Leeds to produce and run a regular “Desktop Linux” workshop for platform and system integrators. The day will be hosted at NTI’s superb training facility at Old Broadcasting House in Leeds and is presently introduced as follows..

Integrate to Enable
Across todays IT enterprise is a growing realisation for the alluring benefits of open source software.  Read more... (estimated reading time 1:22 mins)

Just because TooMuchGreen are open source advocates this doesn’t in any way mean we’re blinkered Microsoft haters, far from it, we’re open to all solutions and merely like to promote the ones we believe are best suited for the task in hand, whatever it may be. We endorse Microsoft Active Directory for network infrastructure & resource management but recommend Ubuntu Linux as an enterprise client and for web/database server side technology.  Read more... (estimated reading time 2:05 mins)

Ubuntu Lucid Lynx 10.04 BETA2 was released yesterday, increasingly resplendent in it’s sharp and stylish new branding with the installation procedure now receiving the “Light” treatment.

Not only is the fresh artwork fluid and attractive but content focus & flow is intelligently pitched to promote both new and existing features. We’re presented with an easy presentation covering all bases across business, media, social & cloud with a reassuring “support” slide to finish.

The best looking and most coherent Linux distro yet? Check out the screen-grabs -

 Read more... (estimated reading time 21 secs)

Check this out, it’s a Windows XP themed Ubuntu distro from China. Microsoft are “apparently” not going to take any legal action against the producers (Ylmf), although I’ll wager that’s said through clenched teeth

So, what’s the lowdown. Well, Ylmf is built on the latest version of Ubuntu (9.10) and includes all the standard goodies + a few extra niceties to compliment the blend. Here’s a brief run through of the install and a few added shots from the end desktop..

Initial splash, already nicely themed..

 Read more... (estimated reading time 2:05 mins)

TooMuchGreen has officially regressed to it’s former blog status, it likes being a blog and we enjoy blogging through it.

The “business” side of things is now fully re-branded as the wonderful MEBBI™ Solutions.

MEBBI™ Solutions provide all the services previously offered by TooMuchGreen plus a few new additions, why not visit our lovely new website and have a look around..

http://mebbi.net

Sector awareness for the benefits of open source adoption is rapidly growing amongst the forward thinking enterprise. An open source solution provides not only a comprehensive replacement but delivers added security and performance boosts to existing systems whilst offering huge reductions in immediate expenditure and long term cost of ownership.  Read more... (estimated reading time 47 secs)

One of the easiest and most popular cost saving routes into Open Source is a simple “Open Office >  MS Office” replacement. Open Office is a free and completely compatible alternative which even across a relatively small enterprise network can contribute substantially to major reductions in T.C.O through negating one area of software licensing expenditure. Compatible as it is, though, reluctancy for change at operational level is a big one, even more so at the user end as they’re the ones who like (?) to complain about the minutiae (of document formatting?).  Read more... (estimated reading time 1:55 mins)

For any business network security at the client end is the most vulnerable area and the most difficult to “police”. Even with a rigid and up-to-date AD policy & virus checking software update system implemented you’ve still got the userbase to “manage”. Running an I.T department is certainly not just about fixing computers and making sure eMail flows smoothly, this is something I know all too well from many years of experience (or should I say “exposure”).  Read more... (estimated reading time 2:29 mins)