Once they are setup with a linux distro, tell them that they need to obtain an application that will allow them to read and write Microsoft Office format files. "What?" "How much will that cost?". Introduce them to OpenOffice. Require assignments to be submitted in OpenOffice format.

You'll have to upgrade your wardrobe if you're moving from tech support to programming. For example, your tennis shoes need to be thoroughly cleaned. Toss out the ripped AE jeans and get Levis. A little facial hair wouldn't hurt, just make sure it's a little shaggy around the edges. And don't forget to start wearing your hair longer. You'll also need a trademark, like suspenders or orange sneakers, or maybe chewing tobacco and always walking around with a cup in your hand. Use one drawer of your desk for late-night snacks. Toss out all the trail mix and stock up on twinkies (Hostess - not the generic ones). Ho-hos are okay on Fridays, but generally stick with the Twinkies. On a more serious note, don't try to reinvent the wheel. Find some similar code that someone else on the team has written and use that as a starting point. Never start from scratch.