The Linux machines have the Smart Common Input Method (SCIM) installed which makes it easy to use alternate character sets. However, if you don't need this feature it can be really annoying since inadvertantly hitting Control+Shift toggles it on and off. You can disable it completely by doing the following, depending on the window manager you are using.

Gnome

From the Gnome System menu, select Preferences->More Preferences->Input Method and select the option to "Never Use Input Methods". This change will be in effect the next time you login.

KDE

From the KDE Menu, select Settings->Input Method and select the option to "Never Use Input Methods". This change will be in effect the next time you login.

Please note that there are preference settings for both Input Methods and SCIM Input Method Setup. In order to disable this feature, you want to be sure and select Input Methods.

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