No need to duck the flames :-) You make some valid points, and after all that's what we are all here for to see how this idea of open source in schools can be pushed forward. In some ways- though I personally don't think thin-clients are the way to go- you may find some solice in a thin-client environment running Linux, and all that being managed by an external service provider (such as *cough* Fen Systems ;-) Linux *has* got a learning curve, but then all software has to varying degrees. Technically, and I don't know him, I think your IT savvy friend could probably take Linux home and work it all out within a couple of months to the point of at least being capable in setting up various services (SAMBA is a good place to start). You are right though- you need the time and skills (some anyway) to make Linux work for you. Not every school will have both (or any) of these and this *is* where consultants and commercial solutions and support can really help. I'm not sure if you have looked into managed solutions or even commercial support services, but if the will to use Linux is there, there are certainly solutions to your predicament! Take care, Paul