[ale] IT department

[Irv Mullins]

On Wednesday 27 August 2003 06:10 am, Geoffrey wrote:
> George Johnson wrote:
> > To All:
> >
> >      I have run into an opportunity to assist with starting an IT
> > department for a small business in Fla.  These are a couple of friends
> > of mine that I have known for several years.  My problem is I have never
> > started an IT department and need info on how to do so.  I have looked
> > at Amazon.com, Microcenter, and other book stores for books or magazines
> > on how to do it but only have found a PDF download so far.  I do plan on
> > using Linux as much as possible even on laptops with Vmware running xp
> > to keep one of the guys happy and in touch with his ACT software, for
> > which I wish I could find a Linux replacement.  Any assistance with
> > direct info or books etc would be appreciated.
>
> How large is the company?  A lot depends on what the business does, what
> their needs are.  I don't know that you need any books.  Common sense
> will be your best tool.  

The first thing I would do is spend a few days on site, observing their 
business, talking with employees, and generally being as nosy as possible.
That way, you will have a better idea of what they're doing now, and how 
things might be improved with the addition of "IT".  Also, whether it's going 
to be a part-time, one-person job, or require a crew of people with initials 
after their names:) 

<snip>

> I'll say this, although it would likely be painful for the windows guys,
> you're better off going all Linux then to try and mix that stuff.  Samba
> is a wonderful tool, but M$ is working very hard to break it with every
> bug, er, patch they put out.

Amen. Given the security risks nowdays, as well as Microsoft's increasingly 
intru$ive tactics, you should inform your friends that they can plan on  
doubling their IT staff if they choose Windows rather than Linux (or Macs). 
Daily security patches, virus cleaning, and regular audits for license 
compliance can be a full-time job.

<snip>

> You've got to consider internet connectivity, which means finding an
> isp.  You'll need a firewall, something else to think about.  A home
> grown firewall would be sweet, but a small business is not the place you
> want to start learning about such services.

A firewall is absolutely mandatory. If you know what's good for you, you 
should refuse to even discuss the possibility of internet connectivity unless 
they agree to purchase a firewall. 

> Do they want file sharing? A print server?  A lot of questions that need
> to be answered.  Do they have any special needs? (scanners, security
> issues, specialized hardware).
>
> Are you going there to do this?

In addition, is there a local linux guru who will be available for them to 
call on to iron out minor bugs? Or is their business large enough to 
justify hiring a full-timer?

Irv


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