Mailinglist Archive: opensuse-edu (171 mails)

[Colin McQueen <cmcqueen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi

"Chris Puttick" <Chris.Puttick@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> MS support for open file formats: OpenOffice.org format is published
> and available for use - if MS can't read it now, they could *very*
> easily write a filter for it.

My point was that the open standards KS3 strategy materials would NOT be
very useful to schools with MS products etc. unless they could be read
NOW.  I suppose they could be encouraged to install free open source
applications.

> 
> MS support for XML: only if you buy the extra expensive version of
> Office 2003, which I assume most schools will not be.

I dunno.  I know of schools that have the schools agreement with MS
licensing and so are entitled to upgrades.  Presumably in a couple of
years most MS schools will be using an office suite that supports xml
then?

> 
> Proprietary functionality "better" or "more extensive": where? 

I don't know what the answers to these questions are but if the answers
are yes, I will be pleasantly suprised.

Does the open source presentation package allow having a controlling
screen on a laptop screen whilst the projector shows the presentation?
  - Used extensively in our lessons so the teacher can navigate randomly
    in their presentation without coming out of the slideshow on screen
    or using a clumsy toolbar.

Can you embed sound files in any open office file to add audio
commentary to a worksheet?
   - Used fairly extensively in Maths to add audio to help poor
     readers.



> I've
> been in IT for 10 years now, and into Linux for 2; the only times I've
> had problems with Linux is due to lack of hardware manufacturer
> support i.e. lack of drivers, which has nothing to do with the
> superiority of proprietary solutions, just a lack of foresight and/or
> customer service on behalf of the hardware manufacturer.

I've been in IT teaching for 15 years from RISC OS to Linux and Windows
and I am struggling to keep away from MS and Macromedia because they
just seems to do more of the leading edge stuff that makes life more
convenient.  Oh blow, maybe I'm tainted ....

The bottom line is anyone coming over from the dark side WILL have to
compromise or make a sacrifice to time in some areas.  The world WOULD
be a better place but then people should be allowed to choose.  If they
choose proprietary then so be it.

I will see if I can persuade my systems manager to will install open
office as an alternative.

> 
> Persuading the UK government to spend money in sensible, creative and
> forward-looking ways: Start a political party?

Wish I had the time.  But I think you're right.

<snip original discussion>

-- 
Colin McQueen