ICommander Systems provide by far the greatest functionality and speed when run
on a Redhat Linux Server. This includes many facilities outside of the normal
accounting functions of the systems that we cannot feasibly duplicate on Windows
Systems. We have even converted some single-user customers to run on Linux by
use of a special license that lets ICOBOL and ICommander use the license on the
Windows System to authorize execution on Linux.
Occasionally we have reactions from potential customers evaluating ICommander that express concern about "switching to Linux" due to information in the press about Linux Desktop Software versus Microsoft Windows Software. The ICommander Linux Server does NOT "switch you to Linux". It simply plugs into your existing TCP/IP Network as a neat new fast and stable resource. Someone needs to know its there to change backup tapes but in general it is invisible to your users.
Access to ICommander on the Linux Server is only from Windows PC's running the Anziowin Terminal Emulation and Communication software. It is possible to run ICommander from a Linux PC but it won't be pretty. ICommander has tightly integrated functionality provided by Anziowin with its functioning on Linux. This includes creation of our own unique terminal definition for Anziowin and Linux to optimize the capabilities of ICommander.
ICommander does provide an opportunity for users to take a look at the Linux Desktop, if desired, by activating the VNC Server that enables running the Linux Desktop from your Windows PC Desktop. If you are interested in reviewing some of the Linux Desktop Graphical alternatives to Windows, this is an easy way to do so. Otherwise about the only use of the Linux Graphical Desktop will by the user(s) allowed to setup new Linux users, printers, etc. The utility tools provided by the Linux Graphical Desktop simplify many such tasks. The Graphical Desktop may be invoked directly on the master console attached to the Linux Server or from the admistrative user's own PC using VNC. Note that using VNC from a PC on the network requires installing the VNC Viewer software. This is a very small program directly available from ICommander CDROM that simply needs to be copied into a \vnc directory on the user PC and then a shortcut to it created on the Windows Desktop. By setting the properties of VNC to have it function in listen mode it can be activated from ICommander General Utility menu choices.
The invisibility of the Redhat Linux Server should not disguise its importance
to fast and stable operations of ICommander and a wealth of utility functions
that are available because of it. Crashes of Windows PC's and servers are much
less common now than in years past. However, it is not uncommon for users to be
trying out many tasks that create the potential of such crashes. The Redhat
Linux Server inobtrusively and reliably running ICommander and your Intranet
behind the scenes and insulated from curious Windows experimenters is a major
luxury for the stability of your important accounting functions.