I think this depends on the type of Government use. Some parts of the government have an Approved Software List. Part of this is related to vendors and approved GSA schedules, while other aspects tie directly into whether the software has been analyzed and tested thoroughly to certify and accredit a level of security. As far as operating systems of the Linux variety on that list, I am only aware of SUSE, Red Hat, and Oracle. The reason for this is the cost+time to go through the process and writing procedures that allow for validating its level of security. Somebody has to sponsor it. This is why you see big corporate backers, but likely wont see Ubuntu anytime soon. If Ubuntu is on this list, I'd be very interested in knowing about that (citation please if anyone knows of it!) So please .. anyone that can verify this, I'd be very happy to hear about it. Here is DISA's website on the hardware side <a href="http://www.disa.mil/Services/Network-Services/UCCO">http://www.disa.mil/Services/Network-Services/UCCO</a> Common Criteria is generally where the software angle comes in ..<a href="http://www.commoncriteriaportal.org/products/">http://www.commoncriteriaportal.org/products/</a> Under operating systems, on the linux front, here are a few I noticed (no ubuntu) Oracle Enterprise Linux - Version 5 Update 1 - Version 4 Update 4 - Version 4 Update 5 Red Hat Enterprise Linux - Version 5.1 - Version 5 - Advanced Server 3 Update 5 - Advanced Server 4 - Advanced Server 4 Update 4 - Advanced Server 4 Update 2 - Workstation 4 Update 2 - Advanced Server 4 Update 1 - Workstation 4 Update 1 MIRACLE Linux (?) - Version 4 SUSE Linux Enterprise Server - Version 10, SP1 - Version 9, SP2 - Version 8, SP3 -Lucas <div class="gmail_quote">On Sun, Apr 29, 2012 at 1:38 PM, Kevin Cole <<a href="mailto:dc.loco@gmail.com" target="_blank">dc.loco@gmail.com</a>> wrote: <blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex">Verification anyone? ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Roger W. Broseus" <<a href="mailto:rogerb@bronord.com" target="_blank">rogerb@bronord.com</a>> Date: Apr 29, 2012 1:29 PM Subject: [Novalug] Linux in Government To: "NOVALUG" <<a href="mailto:novalug@calypso.tux.org" target="_blank">novalug@calypso.tux.org</a>> I have it on good authority that Ubuntu Linux is approved for any "scientific users" at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Word has it that a major hurdle was cleared in getting standard versions of Linux, Ubuntu and CentOS, "approved." The standard desktop for FDA users is 64-bit Win-7or 32-bit Win XP. Email is on Exchange servers (2010). Most of the Ubuntu users are doing Bioinformatics work with Genomic Sequencing and using turnkey software that only runs on Linux (Ubuntu or CentOS - probably more users). -- Roger W. Broseus - Linux User Email: <a href="mailto:RogerB@bronord.com" target="_blank">RogerB@bronord.com</a> Web Site: <a href="http://www.bronord.com" target="_blank">www.bronord.com</a> _______________________________________________ Novalug mailing list <a href="mailto:Novalug@calypso.tux.org" target="_blank">Novalug@calypso.tux.org</a> <a href="http://calypso.tux.org/mailman/listinfo/novalug" target="_blank">http://calypso.tux.org/mailman/listinfo/novalug</a> -- Ubuntu-us-dc mailing list <a href="mailto:Ubuntu-us-dc@lists.ubuntu.com">Ubuntu-us-dc@lists.ubuntu.com</a> Modify settings or unsubscribe at: <a href="https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-us-dc" target="_blank">https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-us-dc</a> </blockquote></div>