ls UNIX right for all lumber & building material dealers?

uses the AT&T system. "lnstead of multiple computers, they're all sharing access, using the same one. There are some other operating systems which allow multiple users, but UNIX is becoming the defacto standard for virtually every hardware manufacturer. It's the direction the industy's headed in."

The system is also portable, can be transported across systems, and also features a multitude of other technological advantages, he says.

But the enormous capabilities of UNIX may not benefit everyone. "lf you're just a mom and pop shop which uses a computer for its basic accounting, UNIX might be a little much," says Eckely.

Kole Kinkade, director of marketing for Dimensions, Salt Lake City, Ut., which uses the rival SuperDOS system, likens computer hardware to tool boxes and operating systems to the tools inside. "The UNIX toolbox can be potentially mammoth in size because the jobs it may need to handle are not specific," he says. "lnside are tools for every job ever thought offrom calculating the probability of cold fusion to running a country's defense system. Therefore, looking for the right tool takes a lot of time, and buying a toolbox big enough to carry all of those tools can be very expensive." Kinkade suggests a more industry-specific system.

Training can also be a factor. Gary Miles. Dimensions programming director, says training on their software and operating system takes about 32 hours. On the other hand, he says, "l know of a competent individual who took a 32-hour class on the UNIX system alone and came away with very little confidence about using the operating system."

Others consider speed a problem for UNIX not just in training but also in operation. "They're now touting

UNIX as the be all and end all of operating systems," says Tom Dwyer, president of Spruce Computer Systems, Latham, N.Y. "There's more to it. First, it's not that quick or fast, and you can't have people standing in lines at point-ofsales for a long time."

Foremost, he thinks that when selecting a computer system, the operating system should be a low priority consideration. "The decision shouldn't depend on the operating system," Dwyer says. "As long as the system as a whole does what you need it to do, it's a suitable operating system."

The computer company, he stresses, should be most heavily evaluated. You should find a stable firm offering good service and support and specialized in your industry.

UNIX users seem to be investing more for added security. "l would issue a caution," warns Eckely. "Look at where you'll be in three to five years. You must protect your software investment in money and time. A lot of training goes into introducing software. And if in three to five years you've outgrown Your system, if you don't have a way of bringing that software with you, you'll have lost everything. You'll have to go through that entire process again."

Perhaps enough of a consideration for you to look at the unseen.

Story at a Glance

UNIX operating system advantages : multi-user, mu lti-tasking, portable, unlimited capabilities ... disadvantages: may be slower, too difficult, time consuming to learn, not industry specific.