[nzlug] OT Linux on Russia Today

[James Paterson]

    Earlier today I saw an item about Linux on Russia Today (B3 free to 
air satellite channel.)
A teacher who was fined for using pirated MS sw has setup an 
organisation to distribute
linux to Russian schools.  It is to be initially trialled in 3 schools 
and if successful all schools
in 2009.  The item was quite positive about the benefits of Linux for 
schools and their pupils
suggesting that a success in the schools would probably mean government 
departments would follow.  There was a short statement from a MS exec 
for Russia which wasn't very impressive.
As the teacher pointed out - at $100 (I assume $US) per desktop MS is 
just not an option and
Linux is a good alternative to the current situation where you can be 
fined for having
pirated SW.


James Paterson