South Korea government switches from Windows to Linux

The South Korean government is switching from Windows to an operating system based on Linux. That has been announced by a ministry. The government uses Windows 7 and free support for it will end next year.

The Ministry of Security will first test the PCs in a closed environment to see if they are safe for use with current ICT systems. The South Korean ministry lists several alternatives to Windows, including Ubuntu.

The South Korean government wants to switch, because it still has to replace the current operating systems due to the end of support for Windows 7 next year. After that, support from Microsoft will cost much more.

The systems will be replaced in phases to ensure that all e-government and ICT systems in the South Korean government are working properly. The switch will cost 780 billion Korean won, compared to 600 million euros.