Problem
Linux has a very unusual background and origin. The founder is very unique as well. This uniqueness has also led to the massive explosion of distributions of Linux. Unlike Windows, where there are seven or eight different versions, there are thousands of distributions out there.
The upper management of your company, Simply Something, has heard about Linux and is wondering why the company has not adopted it. The only thing they know is that it is free and can save the company large sums of money in licensing fees. The CIO needs a briefing to present to management on Linux. Remember, when you are preparing this document, that the company currently uses Windows® and Macs®, uses Microsoft Office for documents, has remote users (laptops), and uses Adobe® Photoshop® for editing pictures for the Web.
The briefing needs to have information on the history of Linux, how and where the company can get support, what kind of system Linux will run on, and what kind of software is available for Linux. It should also include an estimate of how much the company may save in licensing for 100 employees and what kind of learning curve the company should expect for employees.
While you are familiarizing yourself with Linux, please look for alternatives that will allow the use of Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and Notepad. If you find alternatives for these software items, write up a justification for using your selections. Your justification should include a cost, compatibility issues, and your own test evaluations.