Is Linux or Windows the better choice for deployment at a university?

Answer 1

Whether Windows or Linux is the better choice depends on the skill set of students & admins and on the policy chosen by the university's IT dept. A university is different from a company or a private individual. Its choice of OS it uses for its employees, students & servers powering their website depends not only on easy of use, Total Cost of Ownership or uptime. By chosing an OS it commits the institution and its members to its use during their time there and even after they leave the organisation after graduation. It's like a bank account, you don't switch to another provider easily after you're used to one. It's a choice of principle that guides the alumni as well. Open source software like Linux offers all the tools that Windows offers, even proprietary applications that only run on Windows can be run on Linux using Wine or CrossOverOffice. Not only Science or IT students benefit from using Linux, it is also beneficial for Alpha(languages) or Gamma(Social Sciences) students because it enables them access to a toolbox that is free of charge. If student's skill sets are lacking then universities should offer a preliminary course in computing. Given the dangers of unsafe computing that should be mandatory. It's NOT an ideological choice, but a practical and intellectual one. Having Linux skills gives you an advantage, because you not only know HOW to use the OS but also to tinker 'under the hood' if opportune, something not possible with Windows(unless you're a programmer at MS). It's powerful, fast, reliable and you're not depending on closed and expensive technology. You're not 'locked' into buying licences when you're installing new apps. An academic should be expected to THINK and KNOW MORE than an average individual and make informed choices. That even MIT advises the use of Windows to its students is a sign that universities underestimate the intellectual competencies of their students. Independent thinking goes hand in hand with informed choices, NOT the easy option(our students know Windows already...). That said logging onto the university's network should be possible with Linux, OSX and Windows. Students should have the choice to run whatever OS they want on their private computers. Interoperability and openness should be paramount, stimulating intellectual exchange.