What are your security concerns with XP? It is very stable and secure if properly patched and maintained. I understand that ubuntu and linux and mac maybe more secure, but the school systems have to teach the masses, not the individuals. You, my friend, are an individual and an exception.

It runs antivirus? good! that is to protect you and them.

Let’s talk cost. I’m not sure what kind of discount educational institutions get, but I would guess that it is not free. Yes, other OSs maybe cheaper or free upfront, but you are not counting operations and support costs. The type of entry level talent that gets hired to support these systems are able to do their job with little training (due to market share)and when they leave (they never stay long) are easily replaced. The skills required to support a linux environment are harder to find in the job market at the salary most schools can afford. People are harder to find, they want higher salaries and they don’t want to do this type of work. This is a stepping stone job that people move on from within 2 years.

The fact that XP has been around for over a decade should show you something. People are still using it! Vista did not go well for Microsoft and 7 still hasn’t really caught on. When Microsoft drops XP from support and stops making patches and updates is when large institutions will to upgrade and redesign the environments.

Is it the best for what it is being used for? Maybe, maybe not; but if it works it will cost a lot to replace. There are definitely better models for classroom environments. And eventually YOUR kids will benefit from them. What you have is light years above what I had IN COLLEGE 15 years ago. Schools, unless they focus on and teach the technology, are always behind, usually due to costs.

Again, you are an exception. Take what they offer, learn what you can in class (or help others if you are bored) and then study your interests on your own and with like minded individuals.

I am a Windows guy, not because I love it but because it has kept me employed for most of the last 20 years! I suggest you look into VMWare and things like ZenApp. They will give you even more to think about when it comes to different ways the classrooms can be set up.

Let me know if you have any questions…
Hope to see you soon.
- Ed -

Thanks for the collage!

What is the average cost to get something like that going?