[Tfug] Micro$soft world

[Paul Scott]

erich wrote:
> 
>    I'm slated to teach a software engieering course at PCC this
> summer, and what I want to teach is generic C language. However
> its a Microsoft world out there and I just know that I cannot
> tell tham anything about Linux.

Sure you can.  I do.  Even when I'm teaching MS Windows XP.

>    I looked at PCC's web page,
>                                    http://www.pima.edu/

Which campus?  You need to include UNIX in your count.  That makes three 
classes.  137, 225 and whatever the 2xx class that Harry is teaching 
this semester.  Also as noted in a previous thread here Louis Taber in 
particular teaches C and Java on a Linux system.  I allow my progromming 
students to use *nix if they want.

> and you have to dig pretty deep to find even the slightest hint of Linux 
> anywhere.
> 
>    Then I looked at the Open Source Education Foundation web page
> 
>                                    http://www.osef.org/
> 
>    My students would clearly be lost with it. They may want 1)Mathematical
> simulation software 2) A C Compiler 3) Presentation/office software. All
> of this is moot, however, if they come to class with a computer with
> some MS version operating system installed. If linux can ever hope to gain
> wider useabilty, it's got to stop being a cult. It's got to learn how
> to market to young people. They must be in some school environment where
> they can click on the product an add it to their shopping cart.

It's happening.  Just keep watching.

Paul Scott