> IT departments could opt to use any one of the lightweight Linux distros available.
Which one? That is the problem and don't get me started on tech support.
This screams completely out of touch.
There are good arguments on both sides of this issue, but this one (which comes up repeatedly) is not among them. It's absurd to argue that elementary schools should design their curriculum exclusively to train students for the job market.
All I am saying is that when non tech savvy people are working with software there is a high likelihood that they will be using the above software.
Even if it is for the job market, I doubt a hiring manager would take a look twice at LibreOffice or even GIMP in a candidate's CV.
Unfortunately Microsoft and Adobe or any other proprietary software is an expectation in some industries outside of the software industry.
The reason for that could have to do with schools. It could change if schools changed.
Also, they don't want to learn? Seriously? Since can people get away with not wanting to do their jobs?