So what if they chose Linux, let em run it if it works for them, it's purely M$'s fault, I mean M$ wouldn't have to worry about pirating if they weren't so darn tightass with their licensing.

They absolutely did the correct thing taking MS windows off these donated computers and putting a free linux on it. Some of us remember the school teacher on trial for using these same types of computers for piracy in Russia. Mikhail Gorbachev even asked Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates to intercede on the teacher's behalf, without any luck. The laws here in the USA are tougher than in Russia in this type of case.

http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20070205/122618.shtml

Here's another reason not to run windows in a public school/library where children are present;

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/01/11/spyware_teacher/

quoting from the article; "A teacher whose classroom PC displayed pornographic images to school children faces up to 40 years imprisonment.

The pop-up images of couples fornicating will the likely result of spyware infestation."

Of course the computer in question was running MS Windows. There isn't any type of known spyware infestation at present in linux that will do this.

What would be the reasoning to go request Windows XP Starter Edition to MS? With no local networking, it's not even a real OS while Ubuntu is so easy to grab and install. Unless you really looking for trouble considering all the effort you have to invest to protect the computer from spyware/virus.

So lets think about this for a second. Would microsoft prefer a pirated windows install or someone installing linux instead? I for one would think they would want their install base as high as possibe no matter what. After all I can guarentee it's the social pirated of windows 95 and 98 that got microsoft where they are today. Think if they had activation and everything else they have now they would of survived os/2 mac os etc? Probably not.

The trouble with Microsoft? Compliance costs.

Keeping track of whether a machine is "properly licensed" or not, this "Fresh Start" business, WGA, Starter Edition, Uncle Tom Cobbley and all--it just gets so complicated, time-consuming, and paperwork-ridden. Just like dealing with the Tax Department.

Free Software frees you from all that rigmarole. And gives you more time to get on with your real job.

Ok so let me get this straight, Microsoft would rather not have people running a pirated version of windows?

Let's just say if every single pirated version of windows, was replaced by linux I am fairly certainly the Linux install base would be in the double digits. Not only that but everyone would know what linux was, just like they do windows. The sad thing is majority of new comers to computers would not have a clue they were running linux vs windows. They want to surf the web and everything that comes with that. They want to play with pictures and that is about it. What linux distro can't do that let alone ubuntu? I think all library's, schools and government computers should run linux, right now they all are running windows. Imagine what that would do to microsoft, ouch.

But hey at least they wouldn't be pirating windows, lord knows that is not what microsoft wants.

The Russian case went to a 2nd trial, and he was fined. Like I said earlier, in Russia where piracy is over 90% rate for MS software, you going get off lightly compared to being in the land of the free. By the way, the school teacher using the windows with the spyware on it, got 40 years.

link to the results of the 2nd trial of the russian case;
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070507/tc_nm/russia_microsoft_piracy_dc

more on the russian schools;
http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=37460

According to M$ figures, even in the USA 22% of their software is not legit. One wonders what exactly M$ gains by getting Linux installed in the schools?

Could it be that Bill knows that Linux has matured into a useful OS, and that Windows days are numbered? And they better squeeze everyone for every dollar they can before people switch over? Or is it just greed, or something else?

I'm surprised Linux hasn't made big inroads into libraries. As an information gathering and research tool, Linux is the ideal platform for academics and public institutions. It's free, which is important for poorly-funded libraries. It runs on cheap hardware--you don't need 1GB of RAM or a powerful video card. It's very safe and secure. Something like Ubuntu is very easy to use. And it comes with plenty of great (and free) applications.

Windows offers libraries no added value, because 1) library users don't play video games, 2) library users can use OpenOffice.org instead of MS Office, 3) library users don't hook up camcorders or wireless adapters or other devices for which a Linux driver may not exist.

It is stories like this that really tick me off about Microsoft. I use Microsoft XP Pro, but only because the software I run is not supported in Linux. If it was, I would hop to Linux faster than you can say fast. I already shelved my old copy of MS Office in favor of the OpenOffice apps. I REFUSE TO BUY OFFICE 2007 OR ANY VERSION OF WINDOWS VISTA. I love the new commercials from Apple slamming Vista. They are extremely FUNNY because they are TRUE.

It is stories like this that really tick me off about Microsoft. I use Microsoft XP Pro, but only because the software I run is not supported in Linux. If it was, I would hop to Linux faster than you can say fast. I already shelved my old copy of MS Office in favor of the OpenOffice apps. I REFUSE TO BUY OFFICE 2007 OR ANY VERSION OF WINDOWS VISTA. I love the new commercials from Apple slamming Vista. They are extremely FUNNY because they are TRUE.

It is stories like this that really tick me off about Microsoft. I use Microsoft XP Pro, but only because the software I run is not supported in Linux. If it was, I would hop to Linux faster than you can say fast. I already shelved my old copy of MS Office in favor of the OpenOffice apps. I REFUSE TO BUY OFFICE 2007 OR ANY VERSION OF WINDOWS VISTA. I love the new commercials from Apple slamming Vista. They are extremely FUNNY because they are TRUE.

It is stories like this that really tick me off about Microsoft. I use Microsoft XP Pro, but only because the software I run is not supported in Linux. If it was, I would hop to Linux faster than you can say fast. I already shelved my old copy of MS Office in favor of the OpenOffice apps. I REFUSE TO BUY OFFICE 2007 OR ANY VERSION OF WINDOWS VISTA. I love the new commercials from Apple slamming Vista. They are extremely FUNNY because they are TRUE.

Perfect solution. This prevents the library from being liable for piracy. I also LOVE the fact that Micro$oft has created a Linux-friendly environment through their own greed. M$ deserves to become a footnote due to their monumental arrogance and greed.

Do people that keep posting "M$" think they are really making a point?

They sound like total morons.
Grow up!

What is wrong with using the initials "M$"?
I don't see how that makes anybody look like a "moron".
Unless you are a fan-boy of "M$" and/or own stock in "M$".
That might make you a bit sensitive to the use of the initials "M$".

http://www.totallyparanoia.com/

well how about Micro$haft, is that allowed Neil?

This is a very nice video to see. I have stopped using windows altogether since Vista came out.... yes, yes, XP is still supported but I can say that after using it for 4 months then going back (this was about 1 year ago) I was so irritated by the constant popup hell Windows is and I'm not talking about web popups I'm talking the informational popups that never ever seem to go away until you click them... always great when your in the middle of a game and your FPS goes to crap because of this overlay bs crap.

Ah your thinking I must have stopped playing games because I use ubuntu now... nope, not one bit. WoW, Eve Online, All steam games (at least the ones I have... HL2/EP1/2, CSS, Portal, TF2), Quake Series (ID seems to think gaming is possible on linux hence the reason they have a linux binary they offer for that series), Unreal Series (except unreal 2 all other version include linux binary as well, cudos to Epic). With tools like cross-over office and cedega gaming is possible. I've also dabbled with X2 a fully ported game for linux and X3 is coming out soon. So you FUD'ers out there (Fear Uncertainty Doubt) quit with that load of hot air.

Also one thing that people keep forgetting about OSS stuff is that the code is available to review so you can actually verify if the software actually does what it is supposed to. If your good enough you can fix it your self if it doesn't do what you would like. Even the scientific community understands this concept since these days the type of calculations they are doing is at a much higher level than ever before and when billions of dollars are being spent on sending satellites into orbit for certain experiments there has to be as little margin of error as possible. Proprietary software gives the scientists, you know the ones that actually understand the science, not no computer "scientist" which in my opinion understand computers but they are not math students and nor do they understand math to the same degree as a dedicated math graduate does. At least for the most part.

Anyway I personally think that governments should put laws into place forcing that anyone who sells software to the market has at least a 3rd independent party reviewing the code since these days the rights of people are being trampled on by software vendors like microsoft and they get away with it since they have the "well you agreed to the license" crap as a defense... no license agreement should ever go against what is deemed illegal by the constitution of any country.