I want Linux on my computer. At my school we are forced to use Windows XP, I HATE Windows XP. I can't move folders without being connected to the server, explorer is slow. Suddenly bad programs appears, like "Search Your Desktop". A horrible program that uses ram and CPU to index files. Our computers are Dell Latitude D630, they have 1.8Ghz dual-core, and 1gb ram. They use more time to boot than an 600Mhz Duron with Debian. I have no reason to use Windows at school, except to play games. But even games would work better in WINE than this setup.

My school doesn't have the money to remove mould, or to fix the holes in the roof, but still they buy more than 400 Windows licenses. They can't afford substitutes. So the students can't even get a proper OS (even know it is free). Every day the students loose their files because of the synchronization system. But the IT administrators doesn't care about that, they are busy installing bloat ware. Every time we reboot our computers new programs we don't need appear.

I would rather have a Linux computer without X than using Windows XP. The most important reason to get laptops at school is to type fast, then it isn't good to have to wait 15 minutes for it to boot. Their only reason to use Windows is that their backup server uses Windows. We have to wait for their slow servers, instead of having a backup on a USB dongle or web mail, or even SSH boxes. Their backup doesn't work very well, since it deletes files. Of some reason it always assumes the files on the server is newest, so if we go home make a file. Then synchronizes at school, then it deletes the file.

They are illegally surveilacing us. To find out who is playing games. According to Norwegian law that is illegal. I have spoken to the school about this, but they don't care. The problem is that Windows doesn't have any security, any users can execute files. In Linux it is impossible to execute files without root access.

It is simpler to administrate Linux computer. They could install programs with SSH. They could run scripts, and updates using SSH. Everything is simpler with Linux. Less ram would be used for bloat ware, we would have real security, and a massive selection on free software. In addition they would be able to take advantage of the 64bit CPU’s, witch could lead to a performance increase. Open-Source is the future. Today it is not many days until Wine 1.0 is released. You can already run many Windows programs in Wine.

That Linux isn't user friendly is not true. Any person that has used Windows can use Linux. Just make the admin put in the shortcuts with names that are familiar with the users. Firefox is the same, Open Office is almost the same, and Office 2003 runs in Wine. The only people that have to learn something new are the IT people. From a students point of view it is only advantages.

Debian, XFCE, and Dolphin would be perfect!

I would love to hear your thoughts about this, please leave a comment.