It's clear that Windows is the world's most widely used desktop operating system, and I personally doubt that will ever change. Practically all the software is for Windows, most computers have Windows installed by default ... the story is well known. But using a proprietary system that also requires a license is not always the best option, something that was demonstrated when countries like South Korea, Russia and China se they went to Linux.
At that time, one of the reasons was the abandonment of support for Windows 7. The administrations of some countries reconsidered whether it was worth it to continue using Microsoft's operating system and software such as its Office, and the answer was no. Now, a german state intends to take a similar step, as we can read in this article of Heise or in this other from The Document Foundation, a company that develops the most popular free office suite, that is, LibreOffice.
Linux and open source software on 25.000 computers
The state is Schleswig-Holstein, and it could be the first of many. In Heise they say that the federal government, along with other federal states, have been developing open source software to reduce dependency on management from companies like Microsoft. The plans are on the table, but for the moment it is only Schleswig-Holsten that will take the step, and it will not be in the short term.
The intention is to replace Microsoft Office with LibreOffice and Windows with Linux on some 25.000 computers for state officials and employees, including teachers. The transition will take place in 2026. . But, in addition, they are also using Jistsi a lot in their communications, another open source software.
Changes such as those mentioned in countries such as Russia, China and Korea are small, although two of those three countries are large. This from a German state is not a huge step, but from there they assure that they are encouraging other countries, and also the same thing is being considered in Bremen, Hamburg and Saxony-Anhalt. What if all of Germany follows the same path?
With regards to Linux distribution they would use, they have not given details. They do say that there are five that can serve them, but they will not give more details until they are clear.
Good for everyone?
Well, for Linux users it's not bad. The more it is used, the more developers will take care of usAlthough I doubt Microsoft will release its Office for Linux in a desperate move to win back lost users. It should also be borne in mind that, just as software that is currently unavailable could arrive, so could malicious software and attacks from malicious users. But let's think positive. Linux and open source continue to take small steps forward.
To robarrrrrr !!!