[HSC-Unix] UTHSCSA Standard Linux Platform

[Borries Demeler]

Dear HSC-Unix subscriber:

In light of the constant security problems with the Microsoft
platform John Petrie and I discussed the possibility of helping
the University to move towards open source computing platforms.

John mentioned that he could use assistance from the HSC Unix 
community in recommending/proposing a "standard" Linux platform.
"Standards" within the ever-fluctuating Linux community are difficult
to come by, so this may be a tall order that requires redefinition of
what is meant by standards. 

At any rate, I would like to open a discussion by anyone interested
in this topic. I would like to solicit your thoughts, ideas and
suggestions on this issue and try to work towards a viable UTHSC
Linux solution that could be recommended to a desktop and server 
user on campus. 

Just a few parameters off the top of my head, in no particular 
order that we could discuss:

* choice of distributions
* Linux or BSD
* a custom distro for UTSHCSA (one for servers, one for desktops)
* packaging systems
* automatic updates
* remote maintenance
* application software alternatives for Windows
* support

Feel free to add your own. 

I feel that this discussion doesn't require a physical meeting, so I plan
to have it just online using this list. However, if subscribers to this
list feel that this discussion breaks the scope of HSC-Linux I would be
happy to set up a special list just for the discussion of this topic,
if so, please mail me.

It is my hope that through the input of this community we can help
the HSC to move towards an open source replacement and reduce the 
$$$ expended on security and software licenses. Your participation
in this discussion is appreciated.

-Borries
---
Borries Demeler, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Dept. of Biochemistry, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900
Voice: 210-567-6592, Fax: 210-567-4575, Email: demeler at biochem.uthscsa.edu