Despite the success of Linux at Lorien Novalis, Rushton notes that there is no single solution that can satisfy an entire organization. In addition to its Linux desktops, the school also uses 14 Macs for administration and video editing, and two Windows machines for a library catalogue application.

"Every teacher is an influential end-user," he said. "As educators, we shouldn't be able to say, 'Linux good, everything else bad,' any more than other people say 'Microsoft good, everything else bad.'"