Before the Linux operating system can achieve world
domination, there are a few lesser challenges it will need to face, the
chief among which is the huge installed base of Microsoft Windows users.
Practically speaking, the overall success of Linux will not be in its
eradication of Windows, but in its ability to coexist with it and other
systems. “Indeed, the challenge of coexisting with Windows can be viewed
as an opportunity,” says Roderick W. Smith, author of Linux In A Windows World. “Linux can be integrated into a Windows
network, providing a reliable and low-cost platform on which to run vital
services for Windows systems, or even serving as a workstation on an
otherwise Windows-dominated network.”

As Smith points out, “Linux can be an effective addition to a Windows
network for several reasons, most of which boil down to cost.” He reminds
readers that Windows achieved its dominance in part by being less
expensive than competitors in the 1980s. Today, of course, Linux is less
expensive to own and operate. “This is especially true if you’re running
Windows NT 4.0, which has reached end-of-life and is no longer supported,”
says Smith, adding that Windows 2000 will soon fall into that category, as
well. Users who run these older versions are faced with the prospect of
paying to upgrade or switching to another operating system. Linux is often
that other OS.

Smith writes for those who work with Windows-dominated networks but wonder
how they can best use Linux in that environment. As Smith explains, “You
can replace Windows servers, supplement Windows servers with Linux
servers, use Linux to implement new services you don’t currently run,
deploy Linux-based thin clients, or migrate some or all of your Windows
desktop systems to Linux.” His new book provides guidance on how to
accomplish these tasks, with an emphasis on Linux in the role of network
server operating system.

Focusing on integrating Linux into a Windows-dominated network, Linux In A Windows World concentrates on areas in which Linux can easily replace
or complement the function of an existing Windows server. Readers learn
how to:

• Create a file and print server for Windows, Linux, and Macintosh computers
• Use a single authentication system for Windows and Linux users
• Avoid expensive software upgrades by replacing an obsolete Windows NT 4.0

domain with Linux systems

• Filter spam and viruses from email before it gets to users
• Create a low-cost network backup solution for Windows and Linux
  computers
• Deploy thin client Linux desktops

Linux In A Windows World isn’t specific to any one distribution of
Linux. Regardless of which distribution of Linux readers use, they’ll
find valuable information to help them get Linux and Windows to work well
together.

World domination will be the next step.