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Linux for robust crystallography and the use of MS Office on Linux
(codeweavers.com) to write papers or develop posters is a potent
combination to be considered.
Nic out
Sergei Strelkov wrote:
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Dear All,
like many other groups, we are currently facing the need
to move from an aging SGI/Alpha cluster to a more modern
computing environment. The obvious alternatives to choose from
are Linux, OSX or Windows. We are aiming at solving interesting
structures
rather than at developing software -- and yes, we only have a limited
support from IT professionals.
1. MS Windows:
While many people would probably exclude Windows right away,
I am especially interested in collecting opinions about this option.
True, a Windows box can never be a full replacement for a Unix
workstation. However, many pieces of software (not least the CCP4/CCP4i)
are perfectly usable under Windows! The main advantage in our case,
and in most other places, probably, is that nearly all students
use/own PCs
(desktops or laptops) already.
Do there happen to exist any web resources summarising the setup and
use of Windows for biocrystallography (something like the
awesome site by W. Scott on crystallography on OSX)?
It does seem that there are no Windows versions of several important
crystallographic programs/packages but I may be not up to date --
does anyone have a list of those that are available?
With Windows, there exist ways and tools that provide
modalities typical for unix environments -- how usable are
all these? How usable is cygwin?
2. OSX:
Clearly, there has been much attention to this platform
lately, and most Xtallographic programs have been ported.
Hardware is generally good. The setup/maintenance
is generally easier than for Linux.
One specific quiestion: is buying an Intel-based
Mac (and not a G5-based) is advisable at this stage
as much of the software is not yet optimised for Intels?
The well-known problem with Macs is a lesser choice
of general-purpose software. One particular difficulty
is that the OSX version of MS Office (especially the Powerpoint)
has never been optimised properly (IMHO).
3. Linux:
Many advantages and one big concern: the difficulty of setting up.
I would be very grateful for any feedback, please write either
to the BB or to me directly. I will post a summary of all replies.
Best wishes,
Sergei.
