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For desktop, and increasingly network, environments Microsoft cannot be overlooked. However, delays with NT 5 have presented rivals with an opportunity. Growing interest had been show in the operating system (OS) Linux. Linux is a free version of the UNIX OS and shares the same virtues of stability (well implemented UNIX systems are renowned for considerable up-time) and scalability (i.e. it can be scaled-up to handle the growing demands of the enterprise).

Making the news at the moment is Redhat who have gained the backing of Intel giving the credability of Linux for business a major boost. There are, however, many other distributions of Linux; a good source of these in the UK is the Linux Emporium. The Linux Myth Dispeller aims to refute some of the disinformation surrounding Linux.

In the abscence of Microsoft NT5/Windows 2000 Novell have been receiving plaudits for their NetWare 5. Novell's network products have long been highly respected but have lost out to Microsoft in perceived ease of use. Starting with NetWare 4 and more so with NetWare 5 Novell have provided an attractive and easy to use graphical interface as well a set of strong tools.