but I don't like it when people operate things from the rear.

If you are worried about kids using the internet to do bad things, then filter the internet. Use something like SurfControl which runs essentially between the internet and your network and looks out for things you don't want your network users to be looking at. Since it's your internet, you should be able to dictate how it is used. However, you said in your post that the laptops are basically theirs, so they should be the ones who decide how the laptops are used. Let them do what they want with them when they are at home. Using a filter that runs externally to the PCs is a great compromise. It gives them flexibility at home and the structure you need at school.

I love how one part of logic can necessitate the existence of this dark energy, but the other questions how most of our universe can be made up by something we cannot see. Oh science, why are you such a cruel mistress.

If the function of schools is to prepare students to survive in today's world, and Windows/MS software area part of that world, shouldn't schools be teaching kids to use such software.

I understand that there are indeed free alternatives available, but as similar as they might be, they are not the same. Open Office is nothing like Office 2007 for example. Sure, the basic functionality might be the same, but if all you are going for is a something that can take text input, why not just use Notepad?

Anyone who has seriously compared Office to Open Office knows that there really isn't a comparison. Office is substantially better piece of software. What you are really trying to advocate is using schools to force your standards upon youth. Get 'em while they're young you might say.

Well, sir, I personally don't believe schools should be used as a place to advocate social change. But if you want to disagree fine. I am sure there a great number of dictators throughout history who would take your side.

everyone know the big record companies always back the best artists anyways... Who needs the independent labels anyways... To Independent Lables: We are Werner. We are the borg. Prepare to be assimilated. Resistance is futile.

my school's IT department confused my port scanning with that of a virus and subsequently banned me from the network.