If you have data that you need to keep safe, consider using the internet as a safe haven for your data.  Some web providers also support MySql, PERL and PHP as well.

Educators, consider having an 'old computer drive' whereby folks donate those older PC's.  Then just install a smaller Linux based free operating system.  It can give new life to an old computer and provide a teaching benefit for your students.

From the May 11, 2009 New York Times: Regarding Cyberwar Games, "The West Point team used this open-source operating system, freely available on the internet, instead of relying on proprietary products from big-name companies like Microsoft or Sun Microsystems."