The whole point of this exercise is to avoid an interface builder. Learning to program with an interface builder limits your creativity. Now if you were to hand them a copy of Quick Basic 4.5, that would be a different story.
Download a copy of VICE and install it on your Linux/OS X/Windows box, and learn basic properly.
One of the claims used to push Mono was that Stallman was OK with it. He has just recently issued a statement that he is against mono being included in Linux distros.
Assuming you are using standard X86/AMD64 hardware, you have the following options:
1) Windows XP/Vista/7
2) Mac OSX
3) Security Enhanced Gnu/Linux (Many versions are available)
4) Open Solaris
5) Open BSD/Free BSD/Net BSD
There are other options of course, but these are the best choices in my opinion, due to having the best hardware support (note that OSX runs well only on hardware manufactured by Apple). In detail my comments are:
1) Windows XP/Vista/7 - probably the worst choice. Microsoft has shown an inability to issue timely security patchs. I cannot recommend this product to anyone.
2) Mac OSX - with minor modifications it is fairly secure (but the Safari web browser should be replaced with Firefox, Opera, or some other browser). Apple has shown some problems with patching, so it may not be safe enough.
3) SE Linux - many versions are available. Linux has the best hardware support of the available operating systems. It is completely customizable as source code is is freely available. Good solid choice. Patches are available quickly, and if you have the in house programming talent you can patch it yourself.
4) Open Solaris - several versions available. Good, solid OS. It is completely customizable as source code is is freely available. Good solid choice. Patches are available quickly, and if you have the in house programming talent you can patch it yourself.
5) Open BSD/Free BSD/Net BSD - the Open BSD version was written specifically as a secure OS, and this is probably your best choice. It is completely customizable as source code is is freely available. Patches available quickly, and if you have the in house programming talent you can patch it yourself.
I would strongly recommend OPEN BSD. If you contact the Open BSD community, I suspect that they would be more than happy to assist you.
On a personal note, I run Linux and OSX myself, but I don't have your security requirements!
and getting a superior, virus proof operating system
Reality check
Might (or might not) work with your network / wlan Might (or might not) run your favorite games Might (or might not) open the XLS file your boss just sent you Might (or might not) get a virus, depending on if you install stuff as root.
Until you eliminate the "might nots", it'll always be a hobbyist / source code hacker environment, maybe suitable for granny who only surfs the web and reads email, not something you could seriously use in the workplace.
But then you could say the same of my Nokia E90.
If you are a gamer, yes, you will have a problem. But I don't think anybody buys a NetBook for gaming, mean NetBooks are not gaming machines, and aren't designed to be gaming machines. You want a gaming machine, buy Alienware.
It will work with your lan/wlan, Linux has better driver support than Windows now (it didn't 2 years ago, they have been working on this, and it shows).
If will open the XLS file with no problems.
It won't get a virus. The Unix security model is far superior to the Windows one.
XP and Vista Starter edition were cut-price, limited versions for developing markets, to combat piracy.
That never made sense to me. Why would anyone put up with a hopelessly-crippled-to-the-point-of-being-nearly-useless version of Windows when they could buy a bootleg of a Pro/Ultimate edition on a street corner for almost nothing or even torrent it for free?
Instead of buying a bootleg copy of Windows, why not install a good BSD/Linux distribution, that has not limitations and comes with office software, all for the low, low, price of Zero dollars.
And of course by doing this you aren't breaking any laws, and getting a superior, virus proof operating system.
I think that Microsloth has been lobbying the large store chains to only carry Windows units. I had one heck of a hard time finding a Linux Aspire One.
Got one finally, and I really like it.
Function reject.
