In Kerala, a southern state in India, the givernment has started a campaign to eliminate Microsoft from use in public institutions. This comes only a few weeks after they imposed a ban on Coca-Cola and Pepsi products.

As part of a drive against “monopolistic” organizations, schools and public offices across the state are being encouraged to install free software systems instead of purchasing Microsoft’s Windows programs.

“It is well-known that Microsoft wants to have a monopoly in the field of computer technology. Naturally, being a democratic and progressive government, we want to encourage the spread of free software,” M. A. Baby, the state’s education minister, said by telephone.

Microsoft was not being banned, he said, but the government was actively encouraging Kerala’s 12,500 schools to switch to the Linux operating system, available around the world free of charge.

Is it a good move by the government or a costly change that is not really worth the time, energy and training? I feel torn on the matter.

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