The Children of Linux

Written by Chris Jones on March 18, 2012. Posted in Linux distributions, News, Software

Linux. It’s really not a hard operating system to learn. In fact, that very first statement is wrong. Linux is not an operating system. Linux a kernel which is used as the very core to build an operating system around. But these are the things that children of today are not learning. Not in public school systems anyway.

When I was a teenager, I was very interested in computers. I looked forward to and really enjoyed my Information Technology classes. But it wasn’t just the computers that I was interested. The more I got involved with them, the more I wanted to know about what goes on to make them work. Or to be precise, the operating system.

It’s a long time ago now, but I remember when I was talking to my teacher one day he briefly said something about Unix. A term that I had never heard until then. But after that one time, nothing more was ever mentioned. At the time, I really didn’t know anything about it. But I was intrigued of what this ‘Unix’ could be. It was some years later before I got my first glimpse of anything to do with Linux-The accepted modern alternative to Unix. My first encounter with Linux was SUSE 8, which came free on a magazine at the time. I might mention, the magazine was not actually meant to be giving the OS away on the front cover as they were. But anyway, that’s a story for another day. But ever since my first experience with SUSE 8, I never let go of Linux and have always been involved with it in one form another.

Now as you all know and are well aware, Windows is basically the only operating system taught in our public schools these days. I understand that Windows is the industry standard and I can accept that. But I don’t believe teaching children how to use Windows, solely, is the way forward to a positive IT future. Or if Linux even got a mention, it would be progress. My high school years were well into 15 years ago and it is now 2012 and nothing has changed. Public schools are still teaching children Windows and (unintentionally) presenting it as the only operating system you’ll ever need to learn and use.

There arises many issues and setbacks with the aforementioned. One of the primary reasons, being the IT teachers themselves having no concept of how to use Linux or even being aware of it. There are many issues from many different angles.
We are very lucky in some ways that we live in a world of fast broadband access where anyone can download and install Linux for free. When I was in high school, a 56k dial-up internet connection was a true privilege and there was only one computer in the whole school that had internet access. I’m probably still on that list to use that computer as the list was always a mile long.

But all my 10 years Linux experience that I have today has all been self-taught. I have put myself through free courses and done plenty of tinkering, configuring and certainly my fair share of breaking systems. And my wife yelling at me because I’ve broken the computer once again! And that continues to this day. Why? Because Linux offer endless learning capabilities. And despite being a 10 year Linux user, I am still learning things on Linux on a daily basis and still intentionally break things to see how they work in detail. In fact, I am currently experimenting with Arch Linux. A very different experience from the usual mainstream Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora. But that is my point. There’s endless possibilities of learning when it comes to Linux. And perhaps that’s the problem when it comes to public schools and teaching Linux. It is such a large scale eco-system with so many different facets, where would one begin to teach. I see that as an excuse for not teaching it. And not a valid reason. Because even giving children a glimpse of Linux in their high school studies will no doubt have a flow-on effect to further private studies and courses.

Linux must be taught to future high school students. Otherwise we are going to experience a severe shortage of knowledgeable Linux administrators in the near future. We are already seeing the first signs of this problem. And unless we start arming the young nerds of today with the knowledge they require to make up their own mind, we are going to have problems. If things don’t change soon, I can only hope that today’s students come out of schooling as open-minded as I did and choose to at least give Linux a try and see for themselves the true raw power of free and open-source computing that is modern Unix, Linux.

Let us know what you think about Linux education in public schooling, we’d like to know your thoughts on the topic. Comment below.

For questions please refer to our Q/A forum at : http://ask.unixmen.com

Linux

Bmoez J

i hope that linux will soon a part of our education, not only for computer scientific education but for all other kind of education.
As i’m new linux user (using ubuntu ), i don’t think linux is now ready to be teached in our school (maybe only for computer scientific and high education). but, after two years , i belive it will be ready to be used and teached for children because some programs (that windows user need) are still in alpha or beta version and may take time to be stable.
openmystic

A fellow broadcast chief engineer turned me on to UNIX in the late-80s. Knowing UNIX was the only way to be on the Internet in 1987. Sure am glad I did UNIX – to this day all my computers dual-boot Linux. I became an intermediate self-taught SysV user but wound up doing IT with Windows NT and up for businesses. Never got MS certificates – to this day I just say I do UNIX (now Linux) and that has always been enough to immediately convince the folks I’m good at computers and am for real – not just a test taker.
jonoave

I started using Linux (Ubuntu) 2 years ago. And there’s a lot more to learn still. However, there are many barriers for folks switching or learning Linux.

The main thing is the UI and ease of use. Despite the advent of Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora etc there are still many things which for Linux that takes a roundabout way to achieve. You can blame it on Windows “silly” approach etc, but that is how folks got used to doing things. For example, I download a software to use. More often than not, then I have to open the terminal to cp the bin file to the /usr/share to run the software from any directory. Why do I have to do that? Why can’t the software do that with sudo or why isn’t there a GUI that can do that other than the terminal?

Secondly is the compliance with software and hardware. There is no way I can get my Canon printer to run in Ubuntu (I’ve tried, but all the suggested tips and workarounds failed). Yes, it’s not the fault of Linux per se, but then for a common person or student who’s frantically finishing his assignment, do you think they would be inclined to look up workarounds just to print a document? Or even popular games etc. I tried using a suggested workaround to run my game using Wine – again fail. Graphics and sounds were out of sync. So I keep Windows around for stuff like these.

For Linux to start appealing more to masses and non-IT inclined students, there’s still a long way to catch up, unfair it may be so.
- http://twitter.com/niteiatt Francisco Martinez
  
  In my opinion, that’s more Canon’s fault than Linux’s.
  
  Why don’t they make printer drivers meant for Linux, the same way ATI has their own Catalyst driver for Linux?
  Why don’t game companies release their games also for Linux?
  I know a lot of games in the Ubuntu Software Center that you have to buy. Can’t those companies do the same?
  
  I think that several problems we (former windows users) face, is the lack of platform-universality companies have.
  As long as that continues, we’re still gonna have to use emulation software like Wine.
  I also have a Windows partition for things I can’t do in Ubuntu.
  But, if it was up to me, I would never use Windows again.
  
  That’s just my opinion.
  :D
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1183131967 Alius Panfilovas
    
    Exactly! jonoave is blaming vendors, but Linux it self (as always). Mac users don’t blame OSX for not having many drivers (especially for printers too).
    And whats the story with wine? – it’s not linux, it’s external “app” that does not come by default and it’s emulator (tries to run in environment where programs haven’t been made for).
    As for using terminal, then it’s not fault either (i think), as Linux try to installations through package managers and usually terminal is needed for beta apps installations as they didnt made in to repositories yet. Thats again not Linux, but big companies fault for not compiling software for Linux (otherwise we wouldnt be looking for beta non stable apps)…
    - jonoave
      
      Please read my post carefully.
      
      “Yes, it’s not the fault of Linux per se, but then for a common person or
      student who’s frantically finishing his assignment, do you think they
      would be inclined to look up workarounds just to print a document?”
      
      I did not blame Linux, and I know bout commercial drivers etc. I’m glad tr3quart1sta got my point, i.e. “users dont care whose fault it is.. if it doesnt work they go back to the easy windows solution..”
      
      Unfair as it may be, that’s the way things currently are and Linux needs to find a way to overcome this to increase its appeal to non-IT specialists.
      
      To allow Linux to be widely taught in schools and not just as a dreaded subject will require teachers familiar with Linux (of which there definitely not many), and likely a standard platform e.g. Ubuntu. It would be difficult to train current teachers (especially those set in their ways) to learn and teach a system that might now work with their current hardware and applications.
  - tr3quart1sta
    
    users dont care whose fault it is.. if it doesnt work they go back to the easy windows solution..
    
    as for the companies its not worthy for them to spend money and time for little or no profit – simple as that.
    - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1183131967 Alius Panfilovas
      
      But at the end i have clients keep coming back to me with infected or too slow Windows computers… :D
      Truth is that most of todays computer users using browser, chat client and email client, in another words skype, facebook and thunderbird. :)
      Pro users and gamers using Windows or OSX and thats fine. Companies using Windows mainly because of their outdated MS admins and programmers… and thats sad, because companies just need secure, stable OS, they don’t need games or photoshop.
    - GregR
      
      That’s rather short sided thinking on behalf of printer manufacturers, who don’t make that much on the software – or hardware for that matter; it’s all about the ink and toner. For the minimum investment of providing drivers without boundaries, they would have the opportunity to help their customers and enhance the likelihood that they will purchase their products again.
  - Elf150hz
    
    I had the same issue with my Canon printer (MP530). Canon did make linux drivers but they stopped releasing them in the United States. There is a program called “Turboprint” and it has alot of drivers that Cups dosent have but it costs. The way I buy things is to look what Linux is compatible with before I buy it. As for windows I only use it for work (company thing). I do haft to use a duel graphics card to get the same on games as I do in windows but I am mostly using Linux (Ultimate Edition) If you know Japanese then you can install the drivers from the Canon’s Japan site.
- nevio
  
  Dude, with all due to your problems, you are not the world.
  Ive worked on community labs setups in both Venezuela and Cuba. Ive help set up Linux servers in Senegal and Vietnam and back home, Ive upgraded about 24 family members to Linux and done close to 150 installs at our local LUG.
  THe myth of Linux is hard to use is dead.
  It was the day my 93 yr old neighbour switched to Linux/ Of course before he jumped onboard, I had already about a dozen family members over 72 using Linux so it wasnt a surprise.
  The family-people I supported on Windows knew very little and cared very little about how things worked, just that it did. ANd my life since then has changed: i have more time now that they have switched.
  
  The desktop paradigms are NO different now. Whehter you use XCFE, KDE, GNOME or even Unity, its no different from XP than the Vista 7′s were or that 8 will be. It offers different ways of doing things and you have to find a desktop which suits YOUR way of doing things.
  There is no better way, just a different way than others. Right sided or left sided close-minimize buttons? its like asking vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
  
  THe free desktops offer choice and very offten flexibility and configurability (i hate every KDE default and it looks nothing like the default but thats MY choice) and having switched my parents 3 years ago, I am pretty sure that its user friendly both for computer newbies like mum or savvy old web surfing vets like my dad.
  
  Is it perfect? no, but its evolving, getting better and new technologies are added when they are ready, not when they can fit a new sales cycle.
  
  The reasons for not switching are growing smaller and smaller and the days of “Linux isnt ready for mom and pops” are long gone.
bad_cat

I have used Ubuntu since 2009 and never thought it was wrong to change. I´m a german student and the reality here is similar to what you wrote. People don´t care. Most of the folks I know have never heared about Linux even if they use Android phones. Some of my classmates try to bully me just for using a different OS than the stuff from Microsoft.

But well I´ll never return to Windows. I like it that much, that i joined the “Ubuntu German Translators” team to get involved in this great system.

For me the fact, that education is a linux-free area is a big issue which todays governments have to deal with, because I think when Windows is not being developed in the future any more nobody is able to work with a computer. My old secondary school had very cheap computers which didn´t work properly even when they came back from a pc shop. So I wrote them a mail when I noticed a german company was offering a package of Ubuntu with manuals included for free to be used in schools, but the response was that the headmaster didn´t want Linux because he had never heared about it.
- tr3quart1sta
  
  No IT teacher at school? Who setup the current machines?
- hitchi
  
  Hellow, I also started with SuSE Linux; 8.1 for me.So we started using a free operating system roughely at the same time.
  It is true that Linux isn’t teached at schools and most of us users are self-taught.
  On the other side Linux and free software have grown so much since those days…We now have so many ubuntu users, so friendly they are ;) .To be continued…
  - hitchi
    
    Sorry, I had to brake my last post due to a knee injurie.Looking above, I don’t want you think i’m making fun of ubuntu or it’s users, i meant it as a comparison to the time i started in GNU/Linux.Sorry, have to break again because my tipings are not appearing in the typing box.Screen resolution!?
Greg

For now, Windows is the most popular OS, but hopefully people will begin to realize that Linux exist and it’s perfect for schools and business’s. Big thing is no virus’s. I’ve been meaning to talk to my teachers about putting Linux on the computers, or even just mentioning it. We’re still using Windows XP so it’s time for a change! Ever since I found out about a free OS, I’ve been downloading all Linux versions, just to try them out (Mint, Ubuntu, Fedora, Zorin, Open Suse, etc) so far my favorite is Mint :)
Greg

Another reason why Linux is nice because it comes with free software that works just as good as Microsoft Office, Windows, Indesign, Photoshop, etc. Now if you have the money then go ahead and buy them, but we don’t have it.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1183131967 Alius Panfilovas

Whats the point to teach kids how to use Windows these days? It’s the same as they would teach kids how to use TV. Even before first computer class they already know how to use Windows as they have it home…
http://twitter.com/charlie3 Charlie Reisinger

Great essay, Chris. In the U.S., Linux adoption will continue to face an uphill battle against the educational marketing machines of Microsoft and Apple. However, some schools are beginning to consider alternatives. I’ve noticed that schools review Linux and open source first for cost saving reasons, then expand classroom use due to the inherent freedom and stability of the platform.

My school district has made a significant investment in Ubuntu. At 800 laptops/desktops, we may be the largest classroom Linux implementation in our state. You may be interested in reading more about our initiatives: http://www.pennmanor.net/techblog/?cat=63.

Thanks for helping to promote Linux in school!
TtfnJohn

At some point in public schools Linux does need to be taught even though the OS kids will run into daily is likely to be some form of Windows.

The Mars Rovers run a customized form of Linux which is part of the reason they’ve been happily toddling around the surface of Mars long after their “best before” date.

AFAIK the International Space Station runs on customized Linux as do many other things we give little thought to mostly because Linux is “survivable” in ways that Windows is not and not likely to be in the near future. As I mentioned above customization is far simpler with Linux than it is with Windows because it’s open not closed. (And no, I’m not trying to start an FOSS vs Closed source debate just stating a fact.)

Then there are the key architectural differences Linux has inherited from UNIX in comparison to Windows. A large number of those are anything but trivial and make Linux feel like a different planet. We can blame some of that on Microsoft’s persistent dumbing down of Windows and some on the origins of the two OS’s. No matter how hard MS tries it can’t hide the fact that Windows began life as DOS a single user, single task OS not connected with a network. UNIX/Linux was built from the ground up as multi-user, multi-tasking networked OS. That’s one of the first things newbies and students need to learn about Linux as it goes a long way in explaining the differences between the two systems.

Desktop Linux has issues, mind. While it’s perfectly happy to work with HP printers and scanners there are still problems with Canon hardware. Never mind most of that is Canon’s fault for refusing to release drivers the problem is still there. Then there’s the transition that the Gnome desktop is going through right now which seems to be getting less favourable reviews than the transition from KDE 3.x to KDE 4.x. For Windows users KDE is and has been the more comfortable to use.

Students really need to get familiar and comfortable with Linux (and Windows) before landing in University as they’ll be needing both skill sets to get further on in IT. They will find Linux all over the place, not just on Mars but in cars, telecom switches and so much more where stability and survivability are paramount.

Really, at the end of the day, even from the command line Linux isn’t all that difficult or hard to use. No harder, really, that Windows from the command line. It’s just what you’re used to that makes the difference.

Oh, and yes. The vast majority of the Internet runs on Linux or NetBSD not Windows. So it’s really something students need to be exposed to and learn.
Nixnine

Linux would seem to be a good career choice. Windows certified techs are a dime a dozen these days, even as more and more equipment is using linux. My son is 9 years old and he already has two years getting comfortable with linux use. He is even talking to his friends about “changing their system”.

I have to say that nearly 95% of the applications I install have a .deb file or are installable through a ppa. I rarely have to compile a program — well, I am doing more now because I want to — or do anything in terminal.
http://profiles.google.com/osborn.christopher Christopher Osborn

This isn’t so much an issue of Linux vs. Windows, as it is an issue of computers as a tool vs. appliance.
My dad can take a car apart. He can do this because when he was growing up:
a.) cars were simpler
b.) cars were unreliable.

I know nothing about cars, because to me, a car is an appliance to get me from one spot to another. My car never breaks down, and if it does, there are people to fix it.

Computers are the cars of my generation (25-45 year olds). We grew up watching them develop. We learned basic programming in school, because you couldn’t use your commodore 64 without it.

I am teaching my 7-year old son about computers. It is entertaining to me that he can use gnome, kde, unity, windows, or my wife’s mac, without being phased. (While, for example, my co-wokers panic if an icon is missing from there desktops at work.)

But the reality is that he will probably see computers as I see cars.

That being said. Computer science classes should be taught in high school, something beyond point-and-click, and I think most students should want to take it.
http://profiles.google.com/osborn.christopher Christopher Osborn

This isn’t so much an issue of Linux vs. Windows, as it is an issue of computers as a tool vs. appliance.
My dad can take a car apart. He can do this because when he was growing up:
a.) cars were simpler
b.) cars were unreliable.

I know nothing about cars, because to me, a car is an appliance to get me from one spot to another. My car never breaks down, and if it does, there are people to fix it.

Computers are the cars of my generation (25-45 year olds). We grew up watching them develop. We learned basic programming in school, because you couldn’t use your commodore 64 without it.

I am teaching my 7-year old son about computers. It is entertaining to me that he can use gnome, kde, unity, windows, or my wife’s mac, without being phased. (While, for example, my co-wokers panic if an icon is missing from there desktops at work.)

But the reality is that he will probably see computers as I see cars.

That being said. Computer science classes should be taught in high school, something beyond point-and-click, and I think most students should want to take it.
Bmoez J

i think that canon will make drivers for linux soon after that nvidia began developping open source drivers for linux ( http://nouveau.freedesktop.org/wiki/ ) and also, if any government announce that linux will be used as an official OS (like russia).but, for me, the problem is that some apps in linux are not yet ready for professional use like Dia, or CAD programs (for exemple libreCad and FreeCad are still in Development) ,…and if they will be ready in less than 2 years, linux will be able to use without any problems.
Ashish Nabira

I switched to Linux and my career grew leaps and bounds. Thanks to the person who introduced me to Unix/Linux. I don’t want to fight Viruses and slow computers and I spend less money on upgrade of computers/laptops. I spend time in finding new web solutions for my customers rather than wasting time with Windows. Thank you again LINUX.
Vishal Shinde

It is very good idea to bring exposure among students
Omar Dalberry

Yeah, I’m a GNU/Linux evangelist but getting majority of people to use the system will take a whole lot more financial investments worldwide. So, I’ve pretty much gave up on getting regular users to try the operating system and this is my new stand point “the web is open for all to explore, the same way we’re able to conduct searches for anything we like (in some countries) we can do the say for technology that will perform our duties more effectively and affordable”

Once reality start settling in for our generation as to the economic climate we are now in more students will seek affordable ways of becoming economically empowered hence the start of using new technology, new for the user. So maybe I haven’t given up after all just changed my approach of spreading the message. The community will grow as time pushes on.
John Schaaf

Education should teach principles of computing, not by example. I mean, what use is knowing windows xp when a user is confronted with Windows 8? Filemanagement, context menu’s, learing that ‘the internet’ is not the same as a browser, and stuf like copy/cut/paste. Ah, and learning how to read. More then once I’ve been called because ‘there’s a window on my computer and I don’t know what to do’. On the screen there’s something like ‘illigal .. bladibla’ and ‘press ok to continue’

Btw, I’m a Linux user since 1997. Still use it as my main os because it’s simpler, easier and prettier. Besides that, I don’t really care about my os anymore. I use Chrome, Gimp, LibreOffice, stuff like that on both the Linux and Windows pc’s here. It’s all about tasks, not even apps
MrEast

When I was learning computing and IT at school, Windows wasn’t the default choice, in fact, it wasn’t even the dominant system at the time (mid 80′s in the UK). We learnt about computing using whatever hardware and software the school had opted to buy.

My career with IT started as a Unix Sys admin (in at the deep end), then onto Mainframes, before coming back to Unix. It wasn’t until the mid to late 90′s where I started to use the Windows OS on the desktop. It was around the same time (’98) that I bought my first PC and first used Linux (having ditched Windows on it) and have been building (and breaking) systems ever since. I now work with Linux, developing software.

I think that had I learnt using Windows OS, my career would be very different today and would probably not be in IT.

I think the article highlights a problem that was the reason why the raspberrypi.org project was started. Students were reaching University level without ever having learnt or experienced programming or even web design (even in a purely hobbyist level). Its this kind of level of computing that linux does so well, offering strong support for a rich variety of programming languages as well as the tools to develop them with. Because the Linux UI does not hide away the underlying system in the same way Windows does, the user is forced to explore and better understand the system (and other areas of computing). This is probably why users are put off from trying linux and maybe even why its not taught in schools, because people are taken out of their comfort zones.

I think if we continue to only teach Windows in schools, not only do we lose the next generation of Linux users and administrators, I think we potentially lose out on future innovators in computing altogether.
Obiwankenobi

If you mention Linux, you have to mention Apple as well. I am not an Apple fan, but one should be fair.
apexwm

Great article and point well taken. I often think of learning an alternative operating system the same as learning a second language. Learning more than just Windows greatly enhances education and awareness. I’m really surprised that schools don’t open their eyes a little more, GNU/Linux is free and can run on older hardware that they probably would have to throw away due to Windows’ high hardware requirements.
lad.kocb.

In 2006 the OLPC – one laptop per child project was started and became publicly known. It was supposed to become available for 100 dollars. It is based on Linux, it runs Linux. Asus engineers created Asus EEE PC in 2007 and more advanced version some months later. It was running Linux. It was revolutionary. The EEE PCs were all sold. But there was no support from the re-sellers, and it might be even fair to say that most shops were working against it. I myself was advised against buying it by a shop assistant who confused my gray hair with expected ignorance. Then Microsoft went and killed the EEE-PC making it a stripped windows XP-netbook with implanted illogical magnetic hard disk , and later windows-7 amputated starter edition sort of thing. All netbooks are now basically gone. There were tens of such initiatives. Started by engineers and scientists and killed both intentionally and by negligence by the business people of various sorts. Frequently with the help from Microsoft.

The next step in history is the replacement of general computer by an appliance. Started by iPhone, unfortunately partly adopted also for android devices. Nokia’s revolutionary Maemo and MeeGo replaced by Microsoft’s new windows phones and window 8 plans. iPads and tablets, locking the computing power inside, directed to the consuming part of computing.

There is a great free book (can also be bought) – at http://futureoftheinternet.org/ you can get http://futureoftheinternet.org/static/ZittrainTheFutureoftheInternet.pdfSo to all the statements about “industry standards”, “customers, students, … want this or that … “: I think that it is very important to document the actions of various actors against the free software and free knowledge, make them publicly known and when appropriate, call for legal regulations an even legal prosecution when they break (andthey do certainly in some cases – e.g. by spreading disinformation) existing law.
lad.kocb.

In 2006 the OLPC – one laptop per child project was started and became publicly known. It was supposed to become available for 100 dollars. It is based on Linux, it runs Linux. Asus engineers created Asus EEE PC in 2007 and more advanced version some months later. It was running Linux. It was revolutionary. The EEE PCs were all sold. But there was no support from the re-sellers, and it might be even fair to say that most shops were working against it. I myself was advised against buying it by a shop assistant who confused my gray hair with expected ignorance. Then Microsoft went and killed the EEE-PC making it a stripped windows XP-netbook with implanted illogical magnetic hard disk , and later windows-7 amputated starter edition sort of thing. All netbooks are now basically gone. There were tens of such initiatives. Started by engineers and scientists and killed both intentionally and by negligence by the business people of various sorts. Frequently with the help from Microsoft.

The next step in history is the replacement of general computer by an appliance. Started by iPhone, unfortunately partly adopted also for android devices. Nokia’s revolutionary Maemo and MeeGo replaced by Microsoft’s new windows phones and window 8 plans. iPads and tablets, locking the computing power inside, directed to the consuming part of computing.

There is a great free book (can also be bought) – at http://futureoftheinternet.org/ you can get http://futureoftheinternet.org/static/ZittrainTheFutureoftheInternet.pdfSo to all the statements about “industry standards”, “customers, students, … want this or that … “: I think that it is very important to document the actions of various actors against the free software and free knowledge, make them publicly known and when appropriate, call for legal regulations an even legal prosecution when they break (andthey do certainly in some cases – e.g. by spreading disinformation) existing law.
http://www.CommercialClout.com MichaelADeBose

This issue again touches on how the Linux community is struggling to understand the strategy involved with commercialization or even just broader appeal. The issues you note aren’t just an issue with High Schools. CIS departments across the country have the same bias and it has to figure quite prominently that CIS taught are more likely to be IT “deciders” at the enterprise level.

The thing is Microsoft donates a good deal of its developer tools regardless their price and makes them freely available to schools and their students long after that student is no longer part of that class. It really doesn’t matter which specific class you might be taking, you’re encouraged to download everything. The impact of this policy becomes obvious. Computer Science departments routinely share that there is no language that is the be all to end all and require students to learn a multitude of languages in pursuit of a degree. The CIS student pursuits are more skill based and it doesn’t matter what the skill, Microsoft tends to be the answering platform.

The Linux value system may be counterproductive to gaining traction at any level that leads to commercialization, education or otherwise. Education, like governments enjoy easily understood and clear cut books, contracts and solutions that are soundbite friendly, have pretty pictures and that they can feel good about come the next election cycle. Linux is the antithesis of those values. Red Hat and now increasingly Ubuntu who have made unpopular (in the linux community that isn’t popular itself) decisions to actually gain popular adoption. Until the Linux community as a whole can spend more time developing training platforms at the router/switch, OS, and app server levels that are more focused on very generically educating students of the power and user friendly nature of Linux powered tools without preaching, proselytizing or making judgments about which type of license, window manager, boot loader or varying version of Free leads to hell and damnation there will continue to be barriers to wider adoption.
- GregR
  
  I think you’re missing a perfectly fine learning opportunity that Linux does present – and that is that you CAN choose, and by the way, there is little to no cost barrier to experimenting other than time. You may argue that time is valuable, and I agree, but if the time is spent learning about diversity in all aspects of life, you open a child’s mind to another set of possibilities.
  
  The challenges are certainly there, and the opposition is strong, but while growth hasn’t been what most would like to see, you have to give creed to the resilience of Linux, open and libre software that they haven’t been eliminated and are still growing.
Dickus Maximus

Nah .. i like earning my €150 an hour because some moron thought they immediately needed to reboot their redhat servers when they upgraded the database. “Uh, we do it all the time in windows”, Good work !! just keep pushing that reset button Windows-Bob and forget all those pesky scripts running in the background to that make the update easier.
Bob_Robert

First thing, the best single thing that you can do for your kids, is get them OUT of public school.
cdmjjp

I started using first Mint and then Ubuntu recently, (6 months ago), after being put off for years by ‘ computer people’ telling me how difficult it is for a user, and ‘specialist knowledge’ is needed to run the system. Well Initially I found the systems easy to navigate but difficult to learn various simple tasks. (I still have some basic problems). However I do enjoy the system after having insurmountable problems with Mint and then swapped to Ubuntu, having been trouble free since then. Although just a user with no specialist knowledge I prefer using Linux and both my kids, (10 + 15), use it with ease. However when I mention to friends that they should try it, I come up against the same wall of difficulty that I finally broke through. To continue in the vein of the above comments, I agree that it is the advertising of Linux that is stopping the widescale use of it, but this is what makes it a free and great system. As soon as, and if, Linux becomes mainstream and for sale like Windows and Apple, restrictions will be put in place by the companies that will control the marketing and Linux will no longer be Linux. As an ignorant user I have enjoyed learning about computers and the way they work, although I doubt I will ever be able to programme anything, I am grateful for all the Linux people out there who work so hard to bring us a great product for free. I live in Spain where my daughters school uses Linux, so lets hope that the kids of today will start to get the basic knowledge so the choice between Windows, Apple and Linux becomes a personal choice and not one dictated by the money of major companies. Send me a 1,000 CD’s with Linux on them and I will distribute them to every child at my daughters’ school!
Valkce

Last year I started introducing Linux to my 4th and 5th grade students. This year I plan on exposing my middle school kids to C programming on a Linux platform!
Chrisjones

Wow. I am stunned by how much readers have embraced my article and this topic. If I had the time to email each and every one of you and thank you, I would. But that’s impossible. So thank you to all that read my work and continue to read my articles. I really do appreciate it very much. ;-)
Ola

Thanks for these thoughts:
I am so impressed with the topic. My major plan now is to introduce Linux to elementary and High school students in my region. I need videos, strategies and ways these can be done effectively which i believe we can and should draw up on this forum asap. I also observed that the Linux Pro Institute (www.lpi.org) has started
something like this- through its vendor neutral certification – Linux Essential Certification to introduce
Linux to children and youth.Lets share thoughts and ideas on how we can achieve this, the room may have been dark through ignorance, its time to switch on the light of knowledge of linux and open source to our younger ones and build the leaders of IT for the challenges of tomorrow
- Chrisjones
  
  That’s great to here Ola. And thank you, I am glad you enjoyed my article.

Lolman

May 21, 2013 | #

in cmd

Oliver

May 20, 2013 | #

Do you think that it works on a Macbook Air 1,1?… ohh and, it must be installed in a different partition than Mac OS X, right?… can´t have i installed only Ubuntu on my hard drive?

Brandon Hawkins

thanks

Nova

I wonder if there is a way to create your own themes.

Red Adaya

Thank you! This worked for me!!!

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The Children of Linux

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