Although we primarily advocate the benefits of open source software usableIT also offers a range of installation and administration services for Windows if Windows is what you need:

• Upgrade earlier versions to Windows 7
• Partition hard drives for dual-booting with Linux
• Change filesystems from FAT32 to NTFS
• Setup TCP/IP domains and NetBIOS workgroups
• Configure printer and internet connection sharing
• Setup ADSL/cable modems, hubs and routers
• Manage user accounts and profiles
• Configure DNS and DHCP services
• Setup Local Security Policies
• Setup Exchange Server with Windows 2008 Active Directory

Open Source Software for Windows

Much open source software is cross-platform and runs perfectly well on Windows:

• Apache server
• MySQL database system
• Firefox browser
• Thunderbird email client
• Perl programming language
• Open Office desktop suite
• GIMP image editor
• Cygwin UNIX emulation environment

Cygwin is particularly useful as it creates a UNIX environment within Windows inside which the full range of GNU administration tools (bash, ssh, tar, ls etc.) can be used. Ideal for users who wish to learn about Linux/UNIX without leaving their Windows environment.