[nylug-talk] some advice needed

[Nathan Eckenrode]

Currently I am a student at an Online University pursuing a degree in IT with 
an emphasis in Software Engineering. I am moments away from getting my AA and 
today I was filling out the application to continue my education to the 
Bachelor's level. This allows me to get a degree and most importantly stay at 
home with my daughter while she is still young.

As this is a change of career for me, I was wondering what to do with a little 
predicament I believe that i have found myself in. 

I use Linux and have for a couple of years. The University has required 
Microsoft XP/2000 and Office all along and I have gotten along just dandy 
with the offerings from OpenOffice.org and KOffice, however in the coming 
year there will be a courses in .NET programming and databases which require 
Visual Studio and Access, not to mention the SQL class.

So I am currently hung up on clicking the I AGREE, button to the Hardware / 
Software Requirements Page.

My alternatives as I see it:

	1) buy Microsoft stuff ( including any other demands that this will place 
upon me such as hardware requirements ) 
	2) try to change which courses I am to take to avoid these demands.
	3) change schools
	4) forget about school period

What I would like to hear ( if I may be so bold as to refine my question some 
here) is NOT anything that has to do with conspiracies or bashing of anything 
in particular, but specifically some practical advice that will help guide me 
during this decision. 

Basically, what do I _need_ to be "successful" in IT? Will this require that 
at some point in my life that I stand a high proability of needing to sallow 
my pride and working on or with Microsoft products? 

I am interested in any(with the above stipulation in effect) feedback here.

Deep thanks in advance.
-- 
Nathan D. Eckenrode

www.EckenrodeHouse.net
Nathan at EckenrodeHouse.net
646.652.1771