ESSAY: Open Source Software and Cloud Computing

Questions:

1) Describe some reasons why Linux is installed on only a very small fraction of desktop computers. Are there particular categories of products or users who might see Linux as more appealing than conventional operating systems? Do you think Linux’s share of the desktop market will increase? Why or why not?

2) What are some of the benefits of cloud computing? What are some of the drawbacks? Find an article about cloud computing online. Summarize and critique the article in your own words. Be sure to include the url of the article.

3) Describe the hardware and software requirements of your chosen information system. Be sure to consider both the server-side and client-side hardware and software. If you do not have access to specific details about the server-side hardware and software, make reasonable assumptions based on the kind of hardware and software that you believe would be necessary to run your system.

ANSWER

Linux is installed on only on a small fraction of desktop computers because most users still find it hard to use unlike windows. Some people who are non-experts find it difficult to not only use but to install as well. Linux cannot be made any cheaper. With a culture of free software, it cannot attract third party developers. However, there is a small percentage of people who would see use of Linux as appealing owing to it being an open source. Linux is important for users who prefer using coded or programed way of communication as a way of promoting security.

Nonetheless, I am not so certain about Linux increasing its presence on the desktop not unless it opts to preinstall the software on desktops. There has to be a reason as to why people buy Linux over Windows. As for me, this question is …

Question 2

Using cloud computing can help an organization to save on capital costs as well as costs associated with in-house server storage and requirements of applications. It also reduces the operational costs such as ones used in administration. It is also a safe way of storing data and saves on the time used in IT procurement as done in other businesses. Drawbacks include suffering from potential technical outages as well as potential infiltration by malicious intruders. In the article that tries to provide the importance of cloud computing in today’s world, the authors lay emphasis on its application in business, data security as well as maintenance but fails to critically evaluate the risks that such businesses are…