If it is all about capital and training, IE (or is it EG?) the user has no experience with any OS, why would Unix based work stations be a negative to productivity? Unix based machines would be cheaper the Windowz machines, or am I wrong on that too?
There are almost no users entering the workforce with no OS experience. The Windows and Mac GUIs have been in place long enough to where the bulk of the users entering any workplace are going to have experience in some way shape or form with one of those OS packages.



Im to cheap to buy Photoshop and Im to lazy to pirate it, well lazy and I dont need PS. Now GIMP is free and I dont find it easy or intuitive. If the PS interface is similar to GIMP, which application do you think Im going to recommend? If you said the free one give yourself a gold star.
Does Gimp have 24/7 tech support available?

Has GIMP been vetted for use on intranets?

Is GIMP going to be updated with security patches, and can I trust those patches?

The cost of the user license is minimal compared to the total cost of NOT using a product which is industry standard. I remember bringing a file on a PC formatted disc into a print house and getting charged extra because it wasn't a Mac file. Industry standardization drives the car, not the initial cost of the product.

OS and a vetted tech support base are important when it comes to the user being able to run reliably 24/7/365.