August1999 \V \\t \V . N C. V ~\ D :\ B U ") : 1\t E ':> ':> . L 0 :\' $4·95 Nothing Ventured Scarcity of seed capital sends group to ballot box Upper Echelon Defining Nevada's corporate elite The Arts Mean Business Nevada finns help artists draw the bottom line TopRank Nevada Statewide Book of Lists Construction Companies • Mines Economic Development Organizations Top 50 Foundations • Travel Agencies Lef s face it. Having been forced to buy workers' compensation insurance from a single source-the government- few Nevada employers are experienced in shopping for the best plan. But now, with choice and competition, there's a lot to learn. That's where the experience of Harris Insurance Services can help. We've dealt in workers' compensation insurance in other states for years. And HARRIS I X S l R .\ X ( E S E R \ I C E S we've been a leader in providing all kinds of insurance for Nevada * * * * * businesses for more than two decades. So we have the knowledge and the experience to design a workers' compensation plan that works for your company-from reducing costs to increasing cash flow to limiting liability. So don't get lost in all the insurance jargon. For reliable, independent, experienced advice on workers' compensation coverage, call Harris Insurance Services. 5275 Arville Street, Las Vegas Nevada 89118 702-597-5110 Metro Display Advertising Bustop Shelters of Nevada ur success in delivering a better product and service to our customers is the result of out· commitment to develop and use state-of 0 the-art technologies. After 12 yeat's ofdeveloping and improving innovative software, we are able to quickly and accumtely map and select locations that conform to customer 1'equirements. A typical client request might be to "show all advertising locations within a one block mdius ofa fast food restaurant. " This used to take days to pmduce, but now can be done within minutes using our "GPS Mapping System." The same high technology is used to support our maintenance crews. "Maintenance Pro" accurately t1'acks the repair status and history of evety shelter and bench, "Charting Pro" supports sales and customer requiretnents by accurately showing available locations, current and past advertising, and tracks the status ofeach contmct. Our experience has proven that technology equals growth and success. State-of-the-art GPS mapping capabilities pinpoint customer requirements. "Maintenance Pro" tracks the reoair status and history of all bus shelters and benches ...... "Charting Pro" accurately tracks available locations and supports customer requirements Innovative technologies have enabled Metro Display Advertising to become the leader in outdoor advertising ..... MORE OUTDOOR ADVERTISING LOCATIONS THAN ANY LAS VEGAS OUTDOOR ADVERTISING COMPANY Metro Display Advertising • Bustop Shelters of Nevada 5425 South Valley View, Suite 103 • -Las Vegas, Nevada 89118 (702) 795-3325 COMMENTARY New Operating System Oilers Hope BRELYLEE.IINNAN Associate lor Frustrated PC Users Publisher ave you ever wondered how many business programs, as well as technical support. The differ­ people don't utilize a personal computer in ence between the versions is in many ways like the H the running of their businesses? On the difference between Ford and Chevy. They work other side, how many of the business people who pretty much the same with a different "name plate" utilize a PC use them over an hour a day? Of the and a few optional features. Leading Linux distrib­ people who use a PC over an hour a day, how many utors, Caldera Systems and Red Hat, have created experience some type of computer crash (computer two new versions that offer better installation pro­ lock up, freeze, or worse), at least once a week? grams, broader hardware support and new graphi­ How about those people who spend four or more cal interfaces that bear a striking resemblance to hours a day on a PC and experience an average of Windows. Analysts, who note the interest and TALK ABOUT IRONY one to two crashes per day? And, how many PCs are growth, say companies are taking notice of an­ running on Microsoft Windows? And, what about nouncements from major PC vendors like Compaq, "Recently, the city of all those upgrades we purchase to supposedly fix the Dell, mM and Hewlett-Packard, all which have Medina, Wash. (popula· crashes? I figure, if I could collect just one penny agreed to support the operating system. tion 3,082) selected for every Microsoft Windows crash, within one OpenUnux to Implement year, I would surpass the annual income of Mi­ Some of Linux's strengths include: its document management crosoft's Bill Gates and become Forbes' new "Rich­ est Man In The World." system. The reason for Adaptability - The source code for Linux is If we don't want to play Microsoft's game, there available for anyone to modify as they see fit. this move was related to are options. Historically, there are only two choices lnteroperability - Linux interoperates with the 40,000..plus construc­ for PC operating systems: Microsoft DOS/Windows tion permits, blueprints, other systems, including Microsoft Windows, or Apple's proprietary MacOS. Although, Microsoft's MacOS, Unix, and Novell Netware. change orders, and other operating system has the majority of the market, from documents related to my experience (and I use both operating systems) the Multiuser Support - Unlike Microsoft and the construction of the MacOS is exponentially more reliable with fewer Apple's operating systems, Linux is able to sup­ port multiple users concurrently. A single sys­ $53 million home of crashes. Most large software companies produce tem, supporting many users, runs programs, ac­ Microsoft's Bill Gates built software for both operati,ng system environments; cesses files, and other services at the same there. The city's choice however, many software companies do not support the MacOS operating system. MacOS 's lack of sup­ time, seamlessly, whether on a network or di­ came at the realization port originates from Apple's unwillingness to license rectly attached consoles (screens and key­ that there was no more its operating system freely outside of its own compa­ boards). room for any future paper· ny. That is why you don't see Dell, mM, Compaq, Security- Linux's Unix roots supports security work, and it would be re· Hewlett-Packard, or any number of PC manufacturers transparently, not as an after thought, but as a quired either to build a building MacOS operating-based systems. Neverthe­ way of life. In order to work a Linux computer, new town hall or to install less, there are pros and cons to using either operating you have to sign on to gain access. a document management system. But, with billions of dollars spent in the PC Full Multitasking - Innate to Linux is its ex­ system. Naturally, Mi· market, why do we have only two choices? Does any­ cellent juggling ability. crosoft Windows NT was one really wonder why Bill Gates is a billionaire? Networking - Information exchange via email, looked into as a potential Can you say "monopoly"? Now for the good news. A new operating system, the Web, and other means is an everyday fact. called Linux for its creator, recently arrived on the ing that the OpenUnux so­ scene - and it's free. Created by Linus Torvalds providers (ISPs) and the users who access the lution would cost less based on a Unix-type operating system, Linux fea­ ISP's services. than 10 percent of the tures an open source code, which allows it to be Price - Free. Linux is licensed under the GNU Widows NT solution, freely shared and modified, and has resulted in con­ Public License (GPL). The GPL ensures that the Openlinux won the city's tributions from top programmers worldwide. This code can be redistributed; you can get it off the business." operating system is gaining wide and rapid accept­ Internet or someone else's CD and you can ability from major industry players, such as share it with others. - As QUOTED FROM NOTED Hewlett-Packard, and local government users like What does that mean to you and me? Did I say COMPUTER WRITER AND Medina, Wash. (see sidebar story, it's a hoot). Up until recently, Linux, as a desktop operating system, Linux is free? The availability of another PC oper­ AUTHOR , M ANUEL ALBERTO has been more suited for the computer geek than the ating system means more competition and higher R ICART. average PC user. However, unlike Microsoft and quality choices; and, hopefully, fewer frustrations Apple's operating systems, multiple versions or dis­ from unnecessary computer downtime, resulting tributions of Linux are available. To make a version, in greater productivity. a vendor takes the basic Linux operating system and utility programs and adds value to the systems and COMMENTS? e-mail: [email protected] 4 Nevada Business journal • August 1999 Sales Professionals ~BUSINESS You DON~T HAVE 'TO BE ON W"ALL STREET ~OUR~~1 WORK ON WALL ADVISORY BOARD OF DIRECTORS To MaryS. Falls- Vice-President, Northern evada Business Banking, US Bancorp Ambition. Tenacity. The desire to achieve more in your career. If you have it takes to establish yourself professionally, we have the means to help Somer Hollingsworth- President, happen. And with the opening of new retail branch offices and Pxr>~n<:inn Nevada Development Authority others throughout the country, we can offer you the opportunity to Larry E. Krause - Partner and Director, Arthur Andersen LlP immediately. Because at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, we believe you MaryDean Martin - President, MaryDean & Associates have to wait for success. Clare O'Brien -Director ofMarketing , Once yotfve qualified for and completed our paid Financial Advisor Nevada Comntission on Economic Development Program, your income and advancement potential are limited only by Stan Thomas -Director ofSpecial Business Projects, ability.