Loaded with outdated software, Linux 5.0, the laptops are not at all user friendly. To add to the users’ woes, they can't support all applications and hang most of the time. And when it comes to accessing the Internet, a judge has to witness the painfully slow speed, which eventually disconnects without opening any page.

Another key problem is that if the judges write a document and save it in their Linux-supported laptop, the same do not open in their desktop computers at the courts or elsewhere. Reason: the desktops support Microsoft Windows operating system, while the laptops don’t. “A document saved in Linux is saved under a different format and cannot be opened in the Windows,” said Sachin Chaudhary, a software professional.

The judges say they have reported the matter to the National Informatics Centre (NIC), but it has failed to provide any solution. The issue was also brought to the notice of the former district and sessions judge — a written representation was sent to him by the judges.

The laptops have become such a spot of bother that the judges are even willing to take licence of the Windows on their own so that they can make proper use of the machines.

“We can’t transfer our MS Word documents from our laptop to the desktops. Moreover, we cannot use a compact disk in these laptops. When we question, the explanation given to us is that this has been done to ensure security. What is the use of such security when we can't even use the system properly,” said a lower court judge.

As compared to Linux, the widely used Windows is much more user friendly, has a simpler graphical interface and is supported by almost all application software available on the World Wide Web. “Generally, Linux as an operating system is installed in computers because it comes cheap. While the original Linux costs around Rs 150, Windows costs around Rs 4,500. For a layman, it is always recommended to use Windows as an operating system due to its easy graphical interface and easy-to-use advantage. On the other hand, Linux is recommended for experts and software geeks,” said Sachin.