For a number of years, IT managers could avoid the OS wars. Use the latest version of Windows on the desktop, give the designers and graphic artists Macs they demanded, and install Windows Server to run the whole shootin' match. Unless, that is, your developers or IT staff quietly installed Linux servers, and you couldn't find a reason to tell them not to do so.

Nowadays, the default choice isn't quite so clear. Windows Vista is a major upgrade, and—like any OS migration—it isn't a project to start lightly. If, that is, you need to do so at all. (We'll help you decide, and to plan the migration project.) In addition, Linux has become a serious contender for mission-critical enterprise computing; our resources will help you choose the appropriate distribution for your business. And Macs are no longer "toys" for which the artsy employees whine; they're now part of the business landscape.

To help you understand the current state of affairs with enterprise operating systems, we've compiled several resources to assist in making the best decision possible.

The Windows Upgrade

Getting Ready for Windows Vista Deployment: A Road Map for Project Planning
Windows Vista represents a monumental change. You have to plan PC purchase cycles and custom application upgrades carefully. Managers have to make sure the team is prepared for the migration on every level, from testing and implementation to help desk and training. And when all is said and done, as your company weathers the inevitable storm of early implementation, you have to justify the business value of the change and its associated costs. Want a little help?

When is the Right Time to Move to Vista?
The previous article assumes that a Vista migration is a no-brainer. To the contrary, you do need to decide when (and if) the OS should be on the business's to-do list. For most organizations, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

For some, Microsoft is simply the sensible choice. CIO.com's newest blogger, Duncan McAlynn, explains Why Microsoft is Microsoft, and why the company's integration and interdependency means that you don't really need to look at all those "alternatives."

More Vista:

• Microsoft Windows Vista: The OS Has Landed
• What are your plans? Take our poll.

The Linux Alternative

Choosing a Linux Distribution for Enterprise Work
You know you need Linux. Gone is the day when it was just a curiosity that the engineers had to keep in the back room. When deciding on which distro is right for your enterprise, keep these four essential considerations in mind.