Linux vs Windows - Conquering a Windows Based World

Japan has around 400,000 computers in schools that run either Window 98 or Windows ME, which Microsoft no longer supports. They now have a decision on what to do for their next upgrade cycle. The prohibitive cost of replacing all these machines along with the rising price of proprietary software has prompted then to look for alternatives. Linux has now become a viable option for them.

“The move toward open-source software within Japan mirrors similar transformations ongoing within educational institutions in numerous other countries around the world. An article late last month in Linux.com reports that “Linux and open source software are receiving increased interest within the educational sector as an alternative to Microsoft Windows Vista,” noting that the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta), among others, warned of “lock-in” risks due to Microsoft’s licensing programs.“