I'm in trouble for using linux at school?

[rafael9vicuna]

Ok, I am using mint linux, I decided to post this here, because it is based on ubuntu, etc. I'm in computer club at school, I'm sure you all know what that is, but one day, the computer club teacher walked over and said, "are you using linux?" I was like, "Yes." Then he said, "Linux isn't allowed at school." I asked why and he was like, "Linux can be used for hacking, and you can get into our servers from the terminal." I replied kindly that I was just using it for school work, which I was, but he got angry and told me to stop arguing. Now I'm into "trouble" and all the other tech guys say "yeah its dangerous" and "its not a good idea" etc. Well, I'm not ALLOWED to bring my laptop now, since all of my laptops at home run linux, because we wanted to be secure, and mostly the computers in MY CLASS, GET TAKEN! WHile, my classmates can use THEIR own laptops!!!! What do I do plzzzz, I don't want to go back to windows, I HATTTE it!

[d-cosner]

Your teacher is clearly not very knowledgeable! You are probably more qualified to teach a computer class than this teacher. Does this teacher have the final say? What I mean is, is there someone of authority you could talk with to get this teachers decision reversed?

I am sorry but I think it's a huge mistake on the part of the school system to not allow you to use Linux or to teach it. From what you said you had no opportunity to defend your position. Using Linux does not mean you have criminal intent in mind! This is something I would ask the school board to address. The school system does not have the right to dictate what operating system you should use.

If the school has a web site with contact information I would be happy to assist you in getting this resolved to your satisfaction. I take it that you have had no problem doing your school work with your operating system of choice? In my opinion a decent teacher that really wants to teach would have been interested in your operating system and use it as an example to teach. This teacher has no right to dictate what operating system you can use and clearly has no clue what hacking is at all.

I would write a letter to the school board and encourage others to do the same.

[TheFu]

Without a location and school name, nobody can help.

Windows can be used for hacking.
OSX can be used for hacking.

Have them show you the written policy which says that Linux cannot be used in a "club". I can understand why they don't want to have an OS in a computing class that the teacher doesn't understand, but not at all in a club. It isn't like you are bringing a pieced together clock. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/09/16/student-detained-police-mistake-clock-fake-bomb/72348060/

Tell them that most internet servers run Linux, so knowledge of this OS is a career enabling decision. Smart phones run linux and those are not banned, are they? Some spacecraft run Linux too. http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/155392-international-space-station-switches-from-windows-to-linux-for-improved-reliability Almost all of the worlds fastest computers run Linux - the top 10 do
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TOP500#Top_10_ranking

If Linux is banned and there is a policy about it, perhaps BSD is allowed? After all OSX is based on BSD.
https://www.pcbsd.org/ - do they ban OSX?

Name the school system if you want people to contact them in a respectful way and teach the teachers.

[d-cosner]

TheFu, You make very valid points. I agree with approaching this in a respectful way and I think it could be resolved easily with some letters to the school board.

[Habitual]

you can get into our servers from the terminal."
You can get into any server from the terminal provided conditions are met :)

Windows has a 'terminal' interface (cmd/powershell/cygwin)
Sounds like typical "administrative interference" based on ignorance.

Ask politely to see this "rule" that "Linux isn't allowed in school".
I'd bet $100.oo they have Linux running somewhere in that 'school'.

[buzzingrobot]

Well, it's their network, in class or in a club, so you need to play by their rules. I suspect the techs do not realize that Windows has always had a "terminal", not that you need a terminal to do something nefarious.

If you are required to use Windows in a *required class* but the school does not provide enough Windows computers to go around, and therefore requires students to bring their own Windows computers, that's a different issue.

[CharlesA]

Well, it's their network, in class or in a club, so you need to play by their rules. I suspect the techs do not realize that Windows has always had a "terminal", not that you need a terminal to do something nefarious.

If you are required to use Windows in a *required class* but the school does not provide enough Windows computers to go around, and therefore requires students to bring their own Windows computers, that's a different issue.

Nailed it. Their network, their rules. If they do not want you to use Linux at school, you will need to find an alternative.

[PaulW2U]

Well, I'm not ALLOWED to bring my laptop now, since all of my laptops at home run linux, because we wanted to be secure, and mostly the computers in MY CLASS, GET TAKEN! WHile, my classmates can use THEIR own laptops!!!! What do I do plzzzz, I don't want to go back to windows, I HATTTE it!


Nailed it. Their network, their rules. If they do not want you to use Linux at school, you will need to find an alternative.

Obviously a lot has changed since I was at school which was at a time before even pocket calculators existed. If I was told to write in black ink then I would do so. If I was given a choice between black and blue ink then I was grateful to be given a choice.

I'd go one step further than what CharlesA said - their school, their rules.

Sorry rafael9vicuna but I think you've learned a valuable lesson the hard way, don't ditch Windows until you're 100% sure that you'll never need it again.

[stalkingwolf]

If linux is not premitted at that school go to the top administrator of that school and demand that all phones including instructors and administrators that use android or similar systems also be banned from campus. Also all osX systems.
do some investigation, find out if any of their web services run on linux. and them to the list of things that muct be shut down because linux is banned. If you cant use it neither can they or its discrimination.
True it may be their school and their rules but they also have to comply with FEDERAL laws and mandates like discrimination.

Do your research check all available policies, laws , etc.

Your location will determine to some extent what your rights are. as a last resort post a vodeo on line.


Sounds to me like this teacher may have secrets to hide.

[monkeybrain20122]

I'd go one step further than what CharlesA said - their school, their rules.
.

Nonsense. It was one teacher's opinion. The teacher doesn't own the school. If it is a public school then every taxpayer "owns" it. Rules can/should be changed if they are stupid.

I don't know when and where the naysayers went to school, but nowadays in North America and Europe students have a right to discuss matters with the school too, it is not like the school can give arbitrary orders and everyone has to obey. One student may be dismissed so they have to organise and get their voices heard.


Sorry rafael9vicuna but I think you've learned a valuable lesson the hard way, don't ditch Windows until you're 100% sure that you'll never need it again.

Cannot disagree more. The lessons I take away from the story are that authority figures often don't know what they are talking about and that they must be challenged. Same principle applies in society.When faced with unjust/unreasonable rules, one has to challenge them or there would never be social progress.

[mystics]

"Linux can be used for hacking, and you can get into our servers from the terminal."

I guess you could always try pointing out that Windows and Mac have their own terminals that can be used to log into servers. In the case of Windows, you can use the Command Prompt, Cygwin, MobaXterm, and other software to connect to servers. Mac also has a built-in terminal and has plenty of third-party ones you can install. Perhaps the teacher just doesn't know about these and would reconsider if you showed him these options.

What I'm guessing is happening, though, is the school has a few rules and this teacher is just following orders from up top. Even if he knows the request is stupid, he would be obligated to follow them. It's also possible they've had issues where students tried using the wide range of penetration testing tools Linux offers maliciously, and they figured that it would just be easier to cut off that option from students in the future.

Basically, I would try to talk to the teacher, but try to be respectful and understanding of where he is coming from. If it turns out that the issue is from above him or he still doesn't listen, then you can always talk with and make requests of those above him. I know, from personal experience, that these issues can be a pain to deal with, but you should try to be understanding at least until you understand the full motivation. If the teacher were saying, "I use Windows so you should to, and I don't care if I fail you for not using it!" then that's a different issue. But this actually seems to be based on concerns that may come from a past bad experience.

In the end, though, it's their rules, so you have to follow them, but that doesn't mean you can't at least talk to them about them.

Also, use this as a lesson to not throw yourself entirely behind a single OS, especially the least used one on a consumer desktop level. Even Windows users occasionally run into issues, and it only gets more common the less popular your OS is. It won't kill you to occasionally boot into Windows. If anything, see it as a learning opportunity to fully understand another OS. It may even open up some job opportunities.

So if you still have a Windows disk or your school sells it for cheap, try setting up a dual-boot on at least one computer. Of course, you should still talk to the school about using Linux, but even if they listen, I can say from experience that not everyone does.

[QIII]

Um... let's not make this a lesson about the collective power of the people in a democratic Western society, OK?

If it's the School's policy, it's the School's policy. Let's not incite the prolitariat to rise up against oppression by those who would misuse the authority of the duly elected and appointed representatives of the tax paying class.

[monkeybrain20122]

Um... let's not make this a lesson about the collective power of the people in a democratic Western society, OK?
.

Well learning such things and developing citizens who can think for themselves are important goals of education, no? It is not 1950 any more, school is not just for training future office drones. :)

[QIII]

This is not a Civics class. If you are not prepared to take your soap box elsewhere, I am prepared to close this thread.

[rafael9vicuna]

Yes I know Linux can be used for hacking, etc, I WAS USING IT for SCHOOL WORK, but I couldn't respond because my teacher stopped me before I could explain everything properly. But ok, I might work on a paper, probably.

[rafael9vicuna]

And yes, I always follow rules at school, the only problem is this.

[rafael9vicuna]

their school, their rules? lol.

Sorry rafael9vicuna but I think you've learned a valuable lesson the hard way, don't ditch Windows until you're 100% sure that you'll never need it again. - Yeah, I'm sorry. :(

[monkeybrain20122]

their school, their rules? lol.


No, it is YOUR school. ;) If this is really a school policy get other students together, make a case, make a complaint, circulate a petition, write to local newspapers. School is not just about book learning. On the other hand if it is just one teacher's opinion, you only have talk to his/her superior.

[Sweet_Baby_Jamie]

There's so much FUD still around Linux. I think if it were me I'd ask the local Linux Users Group if they have someone who could come and speak at a meeting of the school's computer club, and get permission from the principal and the teacher.

[rafael9vicuna]

There's so much FUD still around Linux. I think if it were me I'd ask the local Linux Users Group if they have someone who could come and speak at a meeting of the school's computer club, and get permission from the principal and the teacher.




I just tried asking my teacher, (wont say name, for privacy) about what I was really going to do, like I was going to do it for just simple school work. I explained that not all people who use linux would use it for hacking or cracking, etc. But he now said that there is still a possibility that you could one day hack our servers. I literally facepalmed as I walked away. But yeah, Maybe we could do a meeting, I'll try that. I'll work on a letter probably too.

Until then, please do NOT lock this thread until everything is fine.

[QIII]

If the thread is closed, it will not be because of anything you have done.

You may start another (referencing this one) if things get out of hand here.

[rafael9vicuna]

Ok, thx!

[Bucky Ball]

Go to the head of school and request new IT staff that have a clue and are not living in the fantasy world of Linux they've created for themselves by swallowing a load of FUD (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear,_uncertainty_and_doubt) wholesale. :)

Or ... send the computer club 'teacher' (and I use that term loosely) here for reassurance. Yea, sure, it can be used to hack. Ever noticed a terminal in Windows, though? Yes, there is a command prompt. Mac? No problems. Most of the same commands even work there! So now no-one can bring their Mac because it runs a terminal? My guess is no, Macs are fine. Put this to the 'teacher' and see their response. For mine you are being treated completely unfairly and this is about freedom of choice as much as anything, not a lot to do with 'Linux can be used to hack'.

If this teacher calls fact fiction and stating fact 'argument' because it doesn't fit with their fantasy, then they're the ones that should be getting told off.

[agillator]

Rafael, I have to ask: where are you parents in all this? I remember when something somewhat similar happened to my son. The teacher corrected her error (after pressure from other students) literally the day before I was going to be sitting on the principal's desk. But then that was a different age and a military school system.

Personally, I think it is time you asked your parents to get involved. Even if they know nothing about computers, you can teach them enough.

I will point out one other thing for what it may be worth. I assume you are attending a public school. Someone earlier implied you had to use your computer because the school did not have enough. Can a public school require a student to purchase a computer?

One more thought. Have you looked into any local or area LUGs (Linux User's Groups) to see if there is anyone influential enough to just happen to bring Linux to the attention of the school board? You have to be careful and remain respectful, and there is a point you should probably not continue to rock the boat or let someone else do the rocking for you, but you might be surprised who would be willing to take up the issue and keep you out of it if they knew about it. Local public schools are always a hot political issue. That is, of course, a two edged sword. Do remember you can have about anything you want in this life if you are willing to pay the price. Just be sure you know the price.

Good luck and let us know if you get anywhere with this.

[mikodo]

As I straightened up to write a response as I was coming to end of your thread it turns out Agillator said what I was going to say. Let's talk about the 1960's. My sister was having a problem with a teacher in high school. She told my dad. The way my sister tells it, our Dad was out of the house like a "shot" after she told him, and the teacher never acted that way again. Now, that is not to say that you have the support that we had as children but, You did say "we" only use linux. DOES that include parents? If so, is that an avenue here you could POSSIBLY approach if other measures aren't successful?

I think the reason there is so much emotion attached in this thread, is because of the all around unfairness of people in authority brow-beating someone who has no reason to be labeled, as a "potential criminal", due to what others' have used computers for.

I want you to hold your head up high with whatever you decide on how to proceed, and know that there many that support you, if even at a distance. At all costs, look after yourself. EVEN IF, you must back away for now.

I'm proud of you, for posting this thread.

My best.

[Afnan]

What I'm really surprised at is how come the teacher is qualified and selected to teach in the school with that much of ignorance. If he was a teacher of any other subject it would have been understandable but being a computer teacher and having that kind of ignorance regarding operating system is unacceptable. Its just sad.

[howefield]

What I'm really surprised at is how come the teacher is qualified and selected to teach in the school with that much of ignorance. If he was a teacher of any other subject it would have been understandable but being a computer teacher and having that kind of ignorance regarding operating system is unacceptable. Its just sad.

Bear in mind that you have heard only one side of a story. The teachers version might be a little different.

That's not to question the OPs version, but there is always at least two sides to a story.

[rafael9vicuna]

Bear in mind that you have heard only one side of a story. The teachers version might be a little different.

That's not to question the OPs version, but there is always at least two sides to a story.



I'm not lying, I posted this here for help, no point in making a lie, and what I said is true.

[howefield]

I'm not lying, I posted this here for help, no point in making a lie, and what I said is true.

Did I say you were ?

What I said was "That's not to question the OPs version, but there is always at least two sides to a story."

[rafael9vicuna]

Did I say you were ?

What I said was "That's not to question the OPs version, but there is always at least two sides to a story."


oh sorry. XD

[rafael9vicuna]

or i could tell my school to have a look through my laptop and see that i mean NO harm at all? Then again, I also finished my letter and its ready to be given to the school about this incident.

[mikewhatever]

I'm not lying, I posted this here for help, no point in making a lie, and what I said is true.

Help with what?
Proving yourself right and them wrong?
Gaining self confidence?
Understanding that, ultimately, it doesn't matter what you use?
Getting some attention?

Even if it's all true, I am not sure what we can do for you, other then commiserate.

[agillator]

As to letting them look through your computer, do you really think that would accomplish anything considering the obvious mindset? And even if they did, would they have a clue what they were seeing? Remember, also, that there are many system admin tools installed that you do not normally see or use but which can be used either white or black hat and can be easily misinterpreted.

If you wish you might post your letter (sanitized, of course) here. Someone may be able to help you with it.

I also want to compliment you on your attitude and approach. You are obviously well aware of the fine line you are walking between being treated, as you believe, unfairly and being respectful of authority and dealing with it properly. That is a line many/most adults find difficult to see and maintain.

[Lars Noodén]

...Then again, I also finished my letter and its ready to be given to the school about this incident.

I'd recommend seeing if you can get a written copy of their "policy". It will make it very much easier to prove your case as well as to shop around for advice.

[rafael9vicuna]

I'd recommend seeing if you can get a written copy of their "policy". It will make it very much easier to prove your case as well as to shop around for advice.



I might try that.

[rafael9vicuna]

-------IN CASE IF YOU GUYS DIDN'T GET THE WHOLE STORY, THIS IS IN DETAIL: (WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG)-------


So I started bringing my laptop to computer club, and we had to do this programming HTML thing, I was using linux mint while doing that, so it was basically school work, which I was talking about. I was learning it, and then the computer club teacher looked around and saw me using mint. That was when he interrupted me and asked me if I was using linux. I replied yes, thinking there was going to be a long talk, then that was when he said linux isnt allowed at school and linux users possess security threats and hacking threats to our systems. I kindly replied that I was doing it for school work and that I had no intention of doing it, (I know a lot about computers by the way) but that was when he started getting angry and told me to STOP ARGUING, when it wasn't EVEN an argument, just telling what I was doing. I got into trouble after that and other tech guys say its very dangerous. So I'm not allowed to bring my laptop for now, and no matter how many times I try to express what REALLY happened, they cut me off and tell me to stop arguing back to the teachers. I then went here, to ask for what to do. :(

This is IN DETAIL if you guys couldn't get the whole story before.

[rafael9vicuna]

Without a location and school name, nobody can help.

Windows can be used for hacking.
OSX can be used for hacking.

Have them show you the written policy which says that Linux cannot be used in a "club"..


No, they haven't shown me a policy...

[rafael9vicuna]

Mine is a public school if you guys don't know.

[RichardET]

Ok, I am using mint linux, I decided to post this here, because it is based on ubuntu, etc. I'm in computer club at school, I'm sure you all know what that is, but one day, the computer club teacher walked over and said, "are you using linux?" I was like, "Yes." Then he said, "Linux isn't allowed at school." I asked why and he was like, "Linux can be used for hacking, and you can get into our servers from the terminal." I replied kindly that I was just using it for school work, which I was, but he got angry and told me to stop arguing. Now I'm into "trouble" and all the other tech guys say "yeah its dangerous" and "its not a good idea" etc. Well, I'm not ALLOWED to bring my laptop now, since all of my laptops at home run linux, because we wanted to be secure, and mostly the computers in MY CLASS, GET TAKEN! WHile, my classmates can use THEIR own laptops!!!! What do I do plzzzz, I don't want to go back to windows, I HATTTE it!

so dump the club; who cares? school is designed by narrow-minded people, in order to clone new copies of themselves.

[rafael9vicuna]

so dump the club; who cares? school is designed by narrow-minded people, in order to clone new copies of themselves.




I'll think about that, I might probably do it, i dont know.

[RichardET]

Or better yet - start your own linux club; meet the new generation!

[carusoswi]

I am curious if this club is part of the school curriculum or an extra-curricular activity. For certain, if it is extra-curricular, then the teacher has (IMO) every right to define the terms of participation. Would you go to a camera club whose purpose was designed to demonstrate how to operate a Canon camera and argue that you should be able to use your Nikon?
Phtographic principles are the same, but that's not what the class is about.

The OP has posted a couple of clarifications, but what he/she describes as details still seem vague to me.

I'm not certain why the teacher would describe Linux as a hacker's tool, but I concur that there are at least two sides to every story/situation, and would love to know more.

I'm not convinced this is the cause around which to start a revolution. My work place doesn't have a single linux computer, and while I am free to boot linux on my computer in the office, it is not very efficient in that environment where much proprietary business-related software is in use.

The school district where my children went to school does not use or discuss Linux. Who knows how much Windows costs the district each year, but, that is the way it is, and, while I may personally disagree, I don't intend to start a war over it.

MS has done its homework in that area, and, for now, they own the market, and MS was "user-friendly" long before Linux for the desktop became what it is today.

I remain curious about how this situation works out, but I concur with others who state that, if it is a Windows club, you should use Windows there or join another club.

Is there a reason who cannot run Windows on your machine (dual boot if you like)?

Good luck to the OP.

Caruso

[TheFu]

so dump the club; who cares? school is designed by narrow-minded people, in order to clone new copies of themselves.

Computer club can look good on a college application, especially if you become one of the officers.

BTW - "Public school" is vague. There are people from all over the world here. Are you in India? Hong Kong? Germany? South Africa? There are different rules in every country. Is there a major university nearby? Linux people there - should be willing to help. Perhaps a professor or dean will talk to the school? I give talks about Linux all over the place. It is part of our "community outreach" efforts for my LUG.

I'll say it again.
* Windows can be used to hack. Notepad is a great hacking tool.
* OSX can be used to hack. Basically all the linux tools run on OSX too.
* Android can be used to hack.

[buzzingrobot]

Nonsense. It was one teacher's opinion. The teacher doesn't own the school. If it is a public school then every taxpayer "owns" it. Rules can/should be changed if they are stupid.


Sure, the rules can be changed. And, sure, the reason for the prohibition is ill-founded. (Cover for the "techs" knowing only Windows, I suspect. It's unlikely that this school can afford to hire optimal tech talent. Public schools in the U.S. typically need to rely on teachers buying essentials out of their own pockets because taxpayers lack the will to pay for schools/).

But, it is their network and they get to decide what can be on it. If someone comes to my house and wants to plug into my LAN, I have the right to say 'No" for any reason, wrong, right, or arbitrary.

The OP needs to decide if this particular battle is one that he'd benefit from fighting.

This is an issue involving a school club, not a mandatory class. The OP is in the club voluntarily. He has a right to opt in or opt out. The school has an obligation to the students, staff and public to protect data on its network. The school has the right to set standards for use of that network, especially for non-academic and essentially recreational use. That doesn't vanish just because someone provided a bogus technical justification for the prohibition.

Frankly, the thought of being accountable for the security of what is surely a poorly financed network used by a building full of adolescents is frightening.

[Sweet_Baby_Jamie]

A "public" school in the US has alot of rules but also alot of options for correcting wrong policies. But for many extracurricular "club" activities the teacher / sponsor / advisor is completely in charge.

I agree with those who have suggested that you get your parents involved if they are willing, and if they understand what you're asking. My parents would do it in a heartbeat but that's because they are Linux users too.

[stalkingwolf]

from my experience it will ultimately come down as that is the policy of our IT department because windows is all they have the knowledge to support. and yes that is exactly what i was told when taking
and online course.

So in the end you way have to provide your own support and make sure that all assignments are submitted in a windows format.

[Sweet_Baby_Jamie]

. . . and make sure that all assignments are submitted in a windows format.

That was the tricky part with schoolwork on Linux. I found this guide (http://pcunleashed.com/tips-and-tricks/converting-libreoffice-writer-files-to-ms-word/) to making my schoolwork in Libre Office so the teacher could read it in Microsoft Office.

[kurt18947]

If linux is not premitted at that school go to the top administrator of that school and demand that all phones including instructors and administrators that use android or similar systems also be banned from campus. Also all osX systems.
do some investigation, find out if any of their web services run on linux. and them to the list of things that muct be shut down because linux is banned. If you cant use it neither can they or its discrimination.
True it may be their school and their rules but they also have to comply with FEDERAL laws and mandates like discrimination.

Do your research check all available policies, laws , etc.

Your location will determine to some extent what your rights are. as a last resort post a vodeo on line.


Sounds to me like this teacher may have secrets to hide.

Maybe not secrets, unless that teacher wants to keep his/her ignorance secret:p. My question in situations such as that is "Do you propose to teach computers or Microsoft/Windows? There's a significant difference." If the school is looking at it from a vocational training standpoint, perhaps they could check the salaries of Windows sysadmins and *nix sysadmins. I believe the *nix sysadmins do a bit better. Of course American business would prefer their new hires to be sorta proficient with MS Office so as to keep training costs down (or non existent.)

[d-cosner]

Compatibility in most cases with office suites these days mostly comes down to saving things using the right extension. It goes without saying that the original poster has the burden of support for his operating system but I would imagine it would be the same for those using their own Windows laptops as well. The school opens up the original posters argument by allowing students to use their own laptops in the first place. Yes it is their network but if we are talking about a public school this puts things in a different light.

If one of my kid's came home and told me what the original poster said I would certainly be addressing the school board. If the original poster can do his or her school assignments using their operating system and software I do not see a problem. What kind of a computer club only focuses on Windows? Granted I have been out of school for over 30 years but you would think any school would want students exposed to more than just Windows in this day and age.

At the very least, I would be contacting the school board and raising some questions.

[monkeybrain20122]

so dump the club; who cares? school is designed by narrow-minded people, in order to clone new copies of themselves.

Hahahah, best comment here. :) I taught math in highschool for one semester, couldn't stand it. I told my students they could call me by first name, so I got summoned to the Principal's office and was given a lecture. She told me they had to call me Mr. XX because it was a school that valued discipline and that I was too relaxed with the students for treating them like peers, needed to project some authority blah blah blah.

Sorry for the digression.

[monkeybrain20122]

At the very least, I would be contacting the school board and raising some questions.

+1. I strongly disagree with people who say it is their network, their rules. It is not if it is a public school. There are mechanisms for citizens (students are citizens too) to raise questions about how schools are run (assuming OP is from the U.S or Canada) and we should use it.

[buzzingrobot]

+1. I strongly disagree with people who say it is their network, their rules. It is not if it is a public school. There are mechanisms for citizens (students are citizens too) to raise questions about how schools are run (assuming OP is from the U.S or Canada) and we should use it.

Nothing wrong with raising questions. As I said, the OP needs to decide if that's a battle he wants to join.

It will always be "their network, their rules", though. The OP might persuade them to change their rules. Recognizing the former does not preclude the latter.

Schools, public or otherwise, are not democracies where students get to determine policy by majority vote. That's even truer for any internal networks, in a school or any other organization. If your employer says X,Y and Z are forbidden, then that's it unless you manage to convince the employer otherwise. That's the option open to the OP.

If it was me, I'd be looking for a way to convince the school and the board of two things: 1. That Linux is safe on their network. (Don't expect them to take a student's assertion about that.) 2. That the addition of Linux will not create unbudgeted costs. My guess is that admin'ing is handled part time by a teacher, not by a full-time tech. The board will have legal requirements regarding their handling of data on the school network that would have to continue to be met. If the board members think they need to hire additional staff to provide that support for Linux, they're pretty certain to decline.

They'd have better luck by pitching access by only one kind of Linux, e.g. Ubuntu, rather than any random distro. There are, after all, a number of Linux distros that specifically advertise themselves as hacking tools.

[bapoumba]

Whether you support "their school - their rules" or not, you are talking here on UF. Our policy is "their network - their rules". I'm closing the thread for now, as it currently is under discussion. You are all very welcome to take this discussion some place else.