Linux vs. Windows 2003 Server

1. Many common viruses are written to exploit vulnerabilities within Microsoft applications.
2. Hardware doesn't become obsolete just because you upgrade to the latest version of the operating system.
3. A Linux File server running SAMBA can serve and print files to Windows clients faster than a Windows 2000 server. See: File Server Throughput and Response Times.
4. Fewer reboots. Contrary to popular belief, rebooting a system should not be standard operating procedure.
5. A Windows 2003 server with 5 CAL's (client access license) costs around $900. For 25 CALs its over $3000. Most Linux distributions are free to download or available on CD for $30 to $200 depending on the features and applications included.
6. With Linux it isn't necessary to run the GUI (graphical user interface). Windowing systems use a large percentage of a systems resources. Without a GUI, more resources are available for demanding applications.
7. With open source operating systems, there is no such thing as a CAL. You buy the package to perform a function. You don't spend hundreds or thousands of extra dollars to allow client machines and users the privilege of connecting to it.