Moving from VB.NET/Windows to Mint Linux and Kdevelop

[Ogi]

Hi,

I'm considering the jump for our office from Windows XP/VB.NET developed order processing system and taking the whole office over to Linux desktops (not sure on Server as yet - but might look at a NAS device with offsite backup). I like the Mint interface and how it runs!

We only use email, which is a bit of an issue as Outlook is good with email and calendar integration - so looking for replacement program(s), Word/Excel (basic functions - no programming) and then we've currently a VB6 developed application that updates 2 x MySQL Databases, prints forms and invoices, this is being updated to VB.NET.

As I am brand new to developing apps in Linux and just studying videos on YouTube regarding programming in KDevelop, I was wondering if anyone on here has experience of:-

Reading/Writing to MySQL from Kdevelop - is it easy to do? Is it easy to deploy to other desktops?
Printing - Is it easy to control a print page with Kdevelop? VB.NET is ok with 1 page but becomes a headache for multiple pages (or it does with how I am doing it)?

Anything else anyone would recommend when switching environments.

My current config is:-

1 x SBS 2003 Server running Exchange Server/MySQL/Avast AV Suite/File Storage
3 x Windows XP Pro using either Office 2003 or Office 2007
2 x Windows 7 using Office 2010

If we exclude our need for a bespoke app to process orders and look to replace server/pc's/microsoft, what would you have as your setup?

Thanks for any and all information you give in advance.

Cheers
Carl.

 

[ChrisHirst]

Horde and SOGo have all the useful features of Outlook.

Or if you want a desktop client take a look at Evolution for Gnome, or KMail for KDE.

And KDE or LXDE on Mint could be the "user friendly" combination that makes a big(ger) dent in the M$ armour.

For M$ Office replacement it has to be OpenOffice or LibreOffice

Never used KDevelop, I usually stick with Aptana or Geany, on Windows and Linux

Chris.

Indifference will be the downfall of mankind, but who cares?
Time flies like an arrow, however, fruit flies like a banana.
Webmaster Forum

 

[ChrisHirst]

Oh and Claws which you can run on Windows and get your Outlook settings imported before the migration.

Chris.

Indifference will be the downfall of mankind, but who cares?
Time flies like an arrow, however, fruit flies like a banana.
Webmaster Forum

 

[Ogi]

Hi,

Thanks for the info, will research your recommendations.

Cheers
Carl.

 

[xwb]

I've never used KDevelop: currently using Codeblocks (visual studio look alike) with Mint Cinnamon and Mint LXDE.

If you have the code in VB.net, try mono. It supports both C# and VB. Not many people know about the VB support in Mono. Most people use mono as a C# replacement on Linux.