[dominic7]

The Linux boxes run

1/ DNS external
2/ Our payroll system
3/ 1 web site

These servers (at one very low and depressing point) were taking upwards to 90% of our time. The more people we brought in the more I realised that a Linux configuration is an art not a science.

Example:

Windows Install

Insert CD
8 gig OP / Remaining Data
Install
Run Windows Update
Enable Service required or folder to share
....
GOLF

Linux Install

I think at the point I was boiling toads I got frustrated

.....No GOLF

[N3WBI3]

Linux Install (RedHat)

Insert CD
Run default Server Option
On startup log in and click the flashing red exclamation point to update the server
On the menu under servers, click DNS (or web, or whatever)
Enter some DNS records
....
Golf

Most enterprises release like RedHat and Suse have configuration tools which are as easy as anything windows has, because you dont know how to use them does not reflect on the system it reflects on you. I dont know squat about iis6, that does not mean it sucks or is hard to config.

[TWohlford]

So you don't like Linux because you don't understand it? And you like Windows because it doesn't require a lot of knowledge?

DNS servers in the Linux world are common, even for large (HUGE) ISPs. I hate running W2k3 DNS servers, and resent having to run one for AD. In addition, Linux servers hold about 1/3 of the Web pages on the Net, so I can't understand what's going on in your situation.

The Payroll system might be another deal altogether....

[tortoise]

These servers (at one very low and depressing point) were taking upwards to 90% of our time. The more people we brought in the more I realised that a Linux configuration is an art not a science.

Bloody hell, it sounds like they were very badly managed if it was only three servers.

We run hundreds of mission-critical servers on Linux on a wide range of hardware and using maybe three distros. One sysadmin manages all those boxes part-time.

[ExDemSince92]

"...The more people we brought in the more I realised that a Linux configuration is an art not a science..."

It's like anything, I guess. It just takes a bit of getting used to. Having alpha geeks on hand doesn't hurt either. :)

We are at the point where a Linux server or workstation install/configuration goes like this ...

Install:

Plug new system(s) into the network
Insert custom boot CD(s)
Turn on system(s)
Come back in 25 minutes.

Plenty of time for golf if that's your thing. I play frisbee with the dog, myself. :)

[antiRepublicrat]

Insert CD
8 gig OP / Remaining Data
Install
Get 0wn3d before you can update, start over
Run Windows Update
Enable Service required or folder to share