Discrimination based on OS?

[Fred Roller]

Fred Roller wrote:
> Based on this:
>
>     "At my campus we have one of the largest wifi areas of the state
>     (doesn't mean its the fastest just that it's widespread). I can get
>     online with windows with no problem. With ubuntu it doesn't seem to
>     be that simple. There's a cisco program that is being used that has
>     support for windows (xp/vista), apple (macs) and iphones." - mdovell
>
>
> And a similar experience at a local University here in Virginia I pose 
> this question.
>
> Can a case be made against State funded Universities that restricting 
> access to resources be made based OS be considered discrimination?  Is 
> it the Universities' place to force the use of paid for OS/Software or 
> could this be considered favoring a particular business(es)?
>
> I think the discrimination could be argued but a bit extreme.  The 
> favoring specific vendor(s) would be a stronger argument, especially if 
> they argue security.  Linux could be established as the more secure 
> general use OS than MS (I don't know Mac well enough to make a call 
> there.) 
>
> What do you think?
>
>   
Please, there is no issue to be fixed.  This was started simply for 
discussion because it's a topic that interest me, hence Sounder.  From 
my personal experience, to complete homework assignments in High School 
(11th year of school) for computer programming I had to sneak into a 
local college computer lab (pretending I was a student there) and do my 
home work.  I couldn't afford a PC at the time, let alone software. 

These days, when I offer Ooo or Linux I hear the same thing..."My school 
requires MS" or some other example.  I know Linux can work just about 
anywhere.  It's when you hit road blocks such as School or Work policy 
preventing students from reaching full potential.  I apologize if my 
wording was misleading, this is just a discussion.

-- 
Fred
www.fwrgallery.com

"Life is like linux, simple.  If you are fighting it you are doing something wrong."