Mexican school children go for Linux

The Linux operating system is to be installed in 140,000 first and middle school computer rooms in Mexico, the government revealed on Friday.

Red Hat software will install the open-source operating system in schools throughout the country over the next five years as part of the government's Scholar Net programme. The updated computers will provide students with Internet access, email, word processor and spreadsheet programs.

Eric Raymond, a pro open-source writer, believes many schools with little money and poor computer systems will opt for Linux. Linux can be downloaded from the Internet for free and Red Hat's version costs $50 for 2 installation CDs and a manual.

Meanwhile, next month will see the installation of 30 Linux servers in US high schools, beginning with Oregon's Multnomah County. Riverdale School District in Portland has already installed the software and is part of the 'Linux in Schools' project.