Moving from MS to Open Source

[gsmith]

I have always worked with Microsoft development tools. In order to save money (both when aquiring software and finding a host), I would like to start developing with PHP/MySQL/Apache. I have learned that there are free tools that enable one to easily install binary versions of these open source development tools on Windows (I work with Win2K).

My question is as follows: Can I expect PHP/MySQL/Apache to work as well on Windows as they do on Linux. In any case, would there be any other (aside from anti-capitalistic) reasons for moving to Linux. Staying with Windows would at least save me from having to become familiar with a new OS, while I will already be plenty busy learning to program the open-source way.

Thanks.

[mincklerstraat]

The most popular wrap-up of Apache/PHP/Mysql these days is called xampp or something like that, and found at [apachefriends.org...] . This consistently gets good marks here at WebmasterWorld, and installing it should be like falling out of bed. Then you need to get yourself an editor. When I'm in windows, I use jedit; it does decent syntax-highlighting and bracket matching, which you really, really want, and is the same in Linux and Windows for when you eventually switch over. I've never used the MS tools for webdev, so I can't really comment on switching, other that just about everyone I've seen reporting on switching has been quite enthusiastic about PHP.

You probably won't notice too many differences between Windows and Linux in php development; they tend to center around the difference between line-endings, which are usually only really relevant for mail functions, so keep your eyes open when mailing stuff. Just make sure you test everything on Linux before deploying if you are using a Linux server.

[txbakers]

Staying with Windows would at least save me from having to become familiar with a new OS

Here we go again, looking to change just for the heck of it.

Why change, why learn a whole new system? You do not need to buy any expensive software to do php on Windows, or for that matter even .NET on Windows.

IT is very big and fragmented today. It's near impossible to become an expert in everything. It's good to know about lots of things, but your time is all you have - maximize it.

I used a program called PageMaker in the late 80s, early 90s. I liked it, it was great, it did what I needed it to do. Then along came Quark Express. I was considering switching when the vendor told me that it would be a whole new learning curve, etc.

Why switch if it's working for you? You won't save that much money on a Linux host these days.

That said, I'm not endorsing MS or Windows. Just cautioning you about losing expertise and time.

[gsmith]

Why change, why learn a whole new system? You do not need to buy any expensive software to do php on Windows, or for that matter even .NET on Windows.

Visual Studio .NET Professional 2003 costs about $950 new and $500 for an upgrade.

Why switch if it's working for you? You won't save that much money on a Linux host these days.

I just conducted some very brief research on the subject, and my unscientific conclusions are as follows: In order to use SQL Server 2000 instead of MS Access one can expect to add $10/month or more. A Linux account with MySQL will almost invariably cost less than even the MS Access account.

On my budget these are very significant, even perhaps compelling figures.

[txbakers]

Yes, VisualStudio.Nt costs, but it is not neccessary to buy it to develop for ASP.NET. Microsoft even has a free told - WebMatrix to get you started in .NET.

And why not use mySQL with Windows? I do.