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Computer techs study Linux OS  Campus information technology coordinators (ITC) were introduced to the how's and why's of the popular innovative operating system, Linux, during classes conducted by Red Hat software. Linux is a fee-free, open-system OS that could be implemented as a non budget-busting departmental server alternative to Microsoft NT or Novell Netware. For example, the web-based Rover IMAP mail server was developed for and runs on a Linux server. The class was sponsored by C. Frank Starmer, Ph.D., associate provost for information technology. Starmer calls Linux a “good platform for ITCs and CCIT staff to rapidly develop tools for data access and reports. The Red Hat classes were designed to expose technology professionals to new,  rapid-deployment approaches for meeting the needs of students, faculty and staff.” “Systems take time to develop, test, and tweak. Tools, on the other hand, can be put together quickly to meet specific needs. As part of our overall information technology strategy, we need to be more familiar with the ‘open-software movement’,” said Starmer.  “This will improve our ability to respond to new trends within the computing and communication industries without having to wait for the vendors of our proprietary products to update their products.”