If your linux distro has wireless support and can connect in a basic fashion to the campus network it should be no big deal. Assuming you can install and run vmware or parallels for linux on it, you should be able to load any windows OS on it simultaneously to run any windows specific software required (as needed) by any courses. I guess the basic concept here is, are you trying to NOT run windows at all? If so, is there a course or application required that has specific software that will not run on any other platform (there are a few out there like that). Of course, dual boot is always an option to work around vmware/parallels too.

First off, anyone stupid enough to use Skype and IGNORE their EULA is probably having their bank account cleared out by someone while their on vacation since they are probably VERY careless with their personal data on the Internet too.

It's quite obvious to me how this is used. If the CPU and other hardware information score high enough, this is part of how SKYPE likely uses your PC (oh yeah, violating the terms of service with your ISP at the same time, because you host stuff, right?) to activate the SKYPE Hub-to-Hub protocol.

This is just one of the many reasons why the SKYPE network is untrustworthy, because it's almost impossible to keep your PC from being elevated if they determine your network configuration and hardware profile makes a good candidate as a SKYPE switchboard operator.