Leveraging Linux to Alleviate Costs in a Medium Sized Enterprise

To Install Linux, we use Ubuntu (supported by Canonical), which has 18 month support for updates and 3 years for Stable Releases.

The reasoning we use Linux over other OS's and specifically Ubuntu is:

• Linux (and Ubuntu) is free and open source. Windows typically runs for $100+.
• The User Interface (UI/ GUI) has improved to the point where for seasoned computer users, it is self explanatory to perform basic functions
• There is an answer for everything on the Linux forums, and is one of the most active communities that can and will help with any issues.
• Most issues can be fixed on the command line, which expedites fixes.
•  Ubuntu is developed by Canonical, who offers free support, and is a major player in the open-source software field.
• Ubuntu is less memory and processor hungry than Windows, and can improve hardware efficiency by up to 50%. This saves hardware that may otherwise need to be retired.
• Ubuntu can be configured to have built-in encryption, as well as not having user data being sent to a corporation like Microsoft. It also has built in malware detection.

You can download an Ubuntu installer from any browser by Googling it and download. It can be mounted on a USB driver (preferably over 2GB). Note: this will format the drive and erase all other data on it.

After installing Ubuntu, run a system update to ensure all software are up to date. You may have to use a wired ethernet cable to start the configuration process.

Update Drivers:

• Wifi Adapters: Laptops have built in WiFi adapters that will not work by default. To check the device name, type "lspci" in the console, and network controllers will appear.
• Update the driver for the given adapter. My device used BroadCom BCM4312, and the kernel source (broadcom STA driver) is installed by the following:

• sudo apt-get update
  sudo apt-get install bcmwl-kernel-source

  Go to: System->Administrator->Additional Drivers(Hardware drivers)

  Wifi will now appear in  top right panel

Restart Ubuntu with "reboot" command as necessary. Do this with any other drivers for Graphic Cards, sound cards, any USB devices, and printers.

For Printers:

• Go to Setting -> Devices -> Printers. This should list all the active printers. 
• If you don't see your printer, or if the printer was not set up properly, hit "Additional Printer Settings"
• The printers on Localhost will be listed, and you can manually set them up. If the driver is not installed, Ubuntu will automatically detect and update drivers when connected to internet. Print test page to confirm.

Firefox should come pre-installed as the default browser, and it works well. You can browse Facebook, Youtube without problem, with most websites phasing out Flash Player requirement. It used to be that Flash needed to be installed for Youtube.


Install the following software from their respective websites.

• LibreOffice. This is the free, open-source office that works just like MS Office.
• VLC Player. This app plays all music, video, DVD, and other media files. It is also free and open source.

The following are also available for free download and use on Linux Ubuntu, if you use them:

• TeXStudio. LaTeX editor, builder, and viewer.
• OBS Studio. For Streamers on Twitch/ Youtube/ etc.
• Code::Blocks. IDE for C++ programming
• Eclipse CDT. Another IDE
• Android Studio. To build Android Apps.
• RStudio. For data analysis.
• GIMP: not quite Photoshop level, but definitely a strong contender

Ubuntu client versions comes in a variety of "flavors" to aid in specific functions:

• Kubuntu. KDE Plasma Workspace, for a stylish workstation environment.
• Lubuntu. Lightest, fastest version of Ubuntu that uses LXQt environment
• Xubuntu. Lightweight, configurable environment.
• Ubuntu Studio. Directed at audio and video content creators and enthusiasts.

Anything other questions you have has most likely been asked. Use Google.