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Teacher confiscates Linux CDs, claims no software is free
If you're not familiar with it, the HeliOS project is an effort to get computers into the hands of kids who might not otherwise be able to afford them. To date this year, they've distributed over 300 machines. Apparently that's not enough to keep them from making an enemy.A middle school teacher named Karen observed one of her students demonstrating the abilities of his Linux-powered laptop to his classmates. What a great thing, a student exposing his peers to technology they probably weren't familiar with before....Right?
Wrong. Karen sprang into action, confiscated the CDs the student had brought to share, and unleashed the Spanish Inquisition.
Who is the charlatan who convinced this poor, misguided student that "free software" is something that actually exists?
Who could be so evil as to distribute non-Microsoft software to children? How can that person expect our children to survive in an MS-powered world? Once she had her answer, she sent Ken an email.
In her own words:
At this point, I am not sure what you are doing is legal. No software is free and spreading that misconception is harmful. These children look up to adults for guidance and discipline.
She continues:
I will research this as time allows and I want to assure you, if you are doing anything illegal, I will pursue charges as the law allows.This is truly sad in so many ways. It's unfortunate that a teacher - who ought to be nurturing and educating children - is willing to crush a student's enthusiasm and devote time and energy to villifying something she clearly doesn't understand. No such thing as free software? Really?
Even Microsoft, who Karen obviously supports, provides numerous free applications. It really is a shame that someone can be so jaded as to think that no one in the world is generous and kind-hearted enough to share something as simple as software.
DS readers know better - you read about great, free software here all the time. What worries me is that we're not the "general public." Are we the minority?
Let's hope not.
[ via Techmeme ]
Update: Justice prevails: http://twitter.com/helios17/status/1051173010 (Thanks, Phil!)
Comments
62
Subscribe to commentsChrisDec 10th 2008 8:30PM
hahaha
good one
Will BDec 10th 2008 3:33PM
2 things:
1. There was an AWESOME linux super bowl ad a few years back... something like Muhammad Ali saying "Go on, shake things up..." to a young kid. It literally gave me chills.
2. As an IT Consultant I find about 70% general computer users believe that if you didn't pay for it, it can't be good/legitimate/better than symantec's version. My father-in-law works with computers everyday and doesnt believe me that AVG is more reliable than McAfee or Symantec... he keeps spending his money and I keep telling him to get AVG, but whatever.. At least a showed the horse there was water to be drank.
Tom MoitieDec 10th 2008 8:24PM
He does have a point you know. Although he should be staying well clear of Symantec and McAfee, when running Windows I prefer Panda/Kaspersky. AVG, Avast and Clamwin aren't too upto date as of late and the former is getting a bit bloated. On Ubuntu I don't bother *shrugs*.
On topic, I can't believe the ignorance of some people. I think it's quite clear she's lying about the "research" she did. Surely she must have seen Ubuntu and the whole Mark Shuttleworth millionaire backing. I don't know. I'm disappointed if I'm honest.
RipdogDec 15th 2008 6:57PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BesI6NEPWlM
There's the ad. Done by IBM.
Brian SextonDec 10th 2008 3:35PM
I feel inspired to name some free software "Karen" in her honor.
EricDec 10th 2008 3:50PM
I agree. What should it be though?
On a side note, awesome picture. I always knew they were a myth.
Phantom1219Dec 10th 2008 10:03PM
The program should be something that searches the internet for free programs.
blasztaDec 11th 2008 12:03AM
Actually, there's a software named Karen: Karen's Replicator http://www.karenware.com/powertools/ptreplicator.asp
.. and the funny thing... it's FREE!
The programmer even provide the VB source code..
sad...
I think she has problem... and the school should investigate her as soon as possible... poor kid to met a teacher like that!
RoanokeDec 14th 2008 4:10PM
I believe it should be a package manager for linux.
RichardDec 10th 2008 3:36PM
what is all this microsoft babble? She is a teacher, therefore it is obvious that she has been indoctrinated by the liberal educational system, what kind of computers do the mindless lefties use? APPLES! She's obviously a Mac user, and therefore if the program is not purchaced through the "apps" store and rationed out through the www.apple.com website, it is illigal!!!
cheers to Halo!!! she needs a good ranting and we ought to be the ones to give it to her.
Halo2Master said 2:33PM on 12-10-2008
+Infinity to the first person who gets us an email address for this teacher, or at least for the school she works at.
biomiDec 10th 2008 3:57PM
"Mr. Starks, I along with many others tried Linux during college "
Is that like trying pot?
Halo2MasterDec 10th 2008 4:18PM
Hah yeah, only during that crazy "experimental" phase could one be so reckless as to try Linux.
Dude, let's drop some acid and see what we can do on terminal.
Radical DreamerDec 10th 2008 4:02PM
If this story is real, then... WOW.
How stupid can a teacher be?
She clearly doesn't have a clue what she's talking about.
Her ignorance is overwhelming.
Seems to me, the kids could teach HER a thing or two.......
P.S.
"Even Microsoft, who Karen obviously supports" - If she knows about Microsoft, then I know the cure to Cancer.
Radical DreamerDec 10th 2008 4:08PM
...After reading the blog...
She's bashing Linux ("carnival show") in favor of Windows ("This is a world where Windows runs on virtually every computer").
I bet her husband works for M$. lol
BrianDec 10th 2008 4:58PM
Another leaf falls from my tree of humanities optimism...
jedimasterhaydenDec 10th 2008 5:01PM
Who read the blog post? OWNED!!!
ScottDec 10th 2008 5:05PM
The other "article" is the reply sent to the moron teacher who absconded with the poor child's property. I wonder if she's going to get any kind of punishment for what she did to that boy?
BenDec 11th 2008 4:06PM
my parents used to be somewhat like this, of course theyve realised their mistake now that ive explained to them the wonders of open-soure and community based projects.
I mean who can't understand that someone would write software for themselves as a hobby and not feel the need to charge for it, or that million of people could contribute to an OS that was then no longer the property of a corporation, it was the property of the community.
I mean it's because there are so many generous people around the world that the linux community thrives, and thrives it does.
smerballDec 10th 2008 5:34PM
linux is evil
http://www.bbspot.com/News/2003/07/unix_mascots.html
PerryDec 10th 2008 6:17PM
If no one's read the retort from Ken Starks at HeliOS Solutions, prepare yourself for some good reading!
http://linuxlock.blogspot.com/2008/12/linux-stop-holding-our-kids-back.html