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Linux Desktops in New Zealand Schools

Posted by timothy on from the long-term-thinking dept.

nigelr writes "The New Zealand Ministry of Education has signed a deal with Novell New Zealand to provide SUSE Linux desktop licenses in schools. The article claims that while the price for a desktop license now matches what Microsoft charge, the new deal will significantly reduce the over all cost due to reduced charges for existing Novell products used in schools around the country."

4 of 280 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Isn't the point by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Linux is free. Support isn't. And if I was running a school, I would surley want somebody to yell at when things go foobar.

  2. Perhaps it more like Trancendental Meditation by waferhead · · Score: 5, Insightful

    When the guru tried to give it away for free, he was ignored.

    When he started SELLING "training" for insane prices, it became all the rage.

  3. Re:Isn't the point by Mrs.+Grundy · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Well sure it can be free. Sex can be free too, but as those here on Slashdot certainly understand, it is sometimes just easier to pay for somebody to supply it rather than go through all the trouble of figuring out how to do it the free way. I mean if you can get it for free more power to you, but don't hold it against those who need a little help and support.

  4. Re:Isn't the point by TuataraShoes · · Score: 5, Insightful
    Why is it so difficult, even for some on /. to grasp the difference between free and free.

    Gratis versus Libre

    • You have free speech, but still have to buy your own microphone.
    • You are free to travel, but buy your own ticket.
    • You're free to choose, but pay the expenses of your own distro.
    Supporting thousands of kids on desktops costs something. If you don't think so, then you try it. So who should carry the cost? These are state schools, the tax payer pays.

    Businesses may at times contribute, but that tends to lead to businesses wanting something back. Microsoft is happy to negotiate with schools. All they want is that the school perpetuates Microsoft's desktop monopoly.

    So the freedom we need is the practical freedom to educate kids without the curriculum being written by the mega-multi-nationals.
    --
    Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird -- Proverbs 1:17