OpenSourceSchools.org: Linux Enables Safe Computer Donations to Schools

[Editor’s Note: This story inaugurates a new category
on Linux Today: Public. This catch-all category will be
applied to the burgeoning number of stories that deal with Linux,
Free, and Open Source software in public institutions, such as
schools and governments, throughout the world.

As always, thank you for your patronage and input!
Brian Proffitt
Managing Editor]

“In an official announcement from the SchoolForge group today,
spokesman Leon Brooks refuted statements on Microsoft’s website
which have been widely interpreted as a roadblock to the acceptance
of donated computers by schools and other needy organisations.

“‘Using Linux, OpenOffice.org and other Open Source software, a
school or charity can safely accept almost any donated computer,’
he said. ‘Simply wipe it and replace the software with Linux and
Open Source applications, then use the computer as a powerful
workstation or server. It’s an excellent idea to erase the existing
operating system anyway – this also erases viruses and trojan
horses, protects the donor’s privacy, and complies with the typical
EULA – so why not upgrade to Linux while you’re there?’

“Brooks also noted that Linux removed many of the burdens, costs
and legal risks of licence management and software asset auditing
faced by most businesses, organisations and individuals…”

Complete
Story