While it is true that for most people, the installation and customizing of Linux would be too much, the basic computer usage is very similar to other operating systems. In school settings, most teachers use a word processor, a web browser and a spreadsheet to keep grades. Linux offers all of these, and most of the programs are set up almost identical to Windows, which most teachers now and days are familiar with using. Some schools have already made the switch over to Linux. Jeff Elkner, a computer science teacher, believes that open source encourages creativity and innovation among their students.
Students can modify and improve on current software and they learn to be empowered programmers.
One of the main things that Elkner likes about Linux is that all of the tools to teach computer science are on these machines, and they are free. Another teacher, Paul Nelson, has helped two schools in Mexico set up Linux on the computers. Nelson says, For every Linux machine I see installed, I know that they re saving a few thousand dollars that can be spent on other educational needs. Not only are they being able to put money into other areas of education, Nelson sees that Linux is providing exciting opportunities for the classroom. For many schools being able to switch completely over to Linux is not possible.