talking about getting schools to use linux, well that's the way to go. today the main reason why there is all this problem of gnu/linux is not this and gnu/linux can't do that is because there are less gnu/linux users on the desktop. this can only change if students are
Personally, I would rather see Linux on the corporate desktop. And on government desktops. Once you have those in place, the rest of the world will follow.
Both have their roles... I'd rephrase that as : "WHAT (reach Corp/Govt desktops) and HOW (via schools)".
Many (commercial) software companies have special discounted pricing under the "academic/educational" category. This comes from their market-researched and calculated view to capture students/learners early in their lives.
When these users reach corporate or government desktops in their careers they tend to specify/use the software tools they are already exposed/familiar (from their school/study days).
I've continue to do my 2p worth to promote open standards in both those spaces, when I teach, and when I consult. So far having more success with the former than the latter (wrt desktops).
--- vkb