So, if it's free, or at the very worst low cost, why isn't everyone using it? The answer to that question is not an easy one. Without being too controversial, there are a number of reasons Linux is not steamrollering Novell and Microsoft out of the network operating system marketplace (though some people would have you believe that it is). First, there is a simple matter of support. Linux skills are in short supply, as are those for Unix. Businesses only feel comfortable implementing a new operating system if they are able to find capable support staff. Second, there is the issue of association. Microsoft particularly, and to a lesser extent Novell, are both massive software companies with billion dollar turnovers and armies of shareholders. Their products come with slick marketing and packaging, and give those that install them a warm fuzzy feeling that if things go awry, there is backup available. It would be incorrect to say that there isn't any support staff available for Linux, and it would be wrong to say that the companies distributing Linux are not very professional and very supportive of their customers, but it all boils down to the perception of the consumer.
One last factor is this.There is an old saying in the IT industry,"No one ever got fired for buying IBM."This refers to the fact that in the early days of computing, IBM equipment was seen as a safe choice, even though there were other products available. The same, perhaps, can be said of Linux. Decision makers need to have a very compelling reason for not using one of the established network operating systems currently available and, surprisingly, the fact that Linux is low cost may actually work against it in this respect. After all, businesses have gotten used to paying for software. When they are offered something at a very low cost, they immediately start looking for the catch.
What's the Difference between Unix and Linux?
Having various versions of Unix available made it difficult in the past for software manufacturers to write programs that would work on all versions. To combat this problem, a standard called POSIX was created, allowing the companies that write Unix as well as the companies that write the software to have a common standard. Linux is a fully POSIX compliant operating system, which is said to be "Unixlike," although it does not actually use any of the programming code from other versions of Unix. Unlike Unix, which is a commercially available product, Linux is written, improved, and developed under the umbrella of the Free Software Foundations GNU project.The Free Software Foundations GNU project even enjoys charitable organization status.
Job Demand
Demand for individuals with Unix skills has been strong ever since it was introduced as a commercial computing platform. This demand continues, although it has now been joined by an equally unmet demand for Linux skills. This trend looks set to continue, if not increase, as use of Unix and Linux as a platform for Internet, and a multitude of other applications continues to grow. In fact, the limit to the commercial growth of Linux and Unix systems is seen by some as a symptom of the lack of availability of staff.
Another factor that may influence job demand in the Unix and Linux area is that of organization. As the high profile of some companies, such as Novell and Microsoft, draw people toward their products and into a career supporting them, the Unix and Linux market profile is somewhat less organized. Indirectly, this lack of exposure may mean that many people entering the networking industry don't even consider learning Linux or Unix at first. The lack of experience using these products probably won't affect most people in either the short or long term, but who's to say that they could have not had an equally or even more rewarding career as a Unix or Linux systems administrator.
Training Options and Resources
The fact that Unix has been around for such a long time, coupled with the eagerness of many companies to jump on the Linux bandwagon, means that anyone trying to track down some suitable training resources should not have too many problems.
There are a wide range of resources available that accommodate all levels of learning. In this field more than others, you should be wary of what you are getting for your money and what is expected of you. For example, if you are considering an instructor-led course, make sure the course is appropriate for your level of knowledge. Halfway through the first morning of a $1,500 course is no time to realize that you need to know how to program in C!
