Re: Forced to use MS Software!
Well- I don't want to bring this up again for fear of angry retribution! However, today I got notice from my College that I will HAVE to use MS Project Software for my latest course unit. Period. Before getting notification about this, I had looked at the excellent Mr Project for Linux--which I believe does allow Gantt graph design (though limited at this time). Anyhow--so much for choice! I have had to wipe off my Mandrake install (which was fresh) and put on Windows ME (since I won't pay the money for XP). Straight after install, I got a BSOD; I have also had to invest in Antivirus software :-( That's something I haven't done for about two years (thanks to Linux)! Mayeb those screaming for more choice in ICT within schools and also for the end-user should keep up their good work...otherwise this damned OS will drive me MAD. Oh well- at least my laptop still has Linux on it :-) Paul
This whole MS thing is turning into a right mess. On one side you have all the
techy types who know whats good for them, ie Linux, or anything apart from BSOD
MS, and on the other hand you have the Government, Teachers and Pupils who
mostly fear change, even if it will save x amount of quids.
The bottom line is, this is a personal opinion so disagree if you like, that
although Linux is technically more attractive in reality it is a daunting
thought to most people. For the simple reason that nearly everyone who has
bought a PC in the last 3 years will have an MS product on it, meaning they
know their way about it, Internet Explorer, MS Office, etc. Sadly the
educational support for Linux is lacking and all the popular packages available
for MS are not available for Linux.
I have had this argument so many times with a lot of people, they all seem to
agree that they havent got time to change over to a system that might not look
the same, behave the same as their beloved Windows.
After talking to Microsoft yesterday, they are attempting to respond to the
Linux "threat" by offering cheaper licencing and customisable School
Agreements, but they still feel that they are under no serious immediate threat.
Fools...........
This is reality
Quoting Paul Munro
Well- I don't want to bring this up again for fear of angry retribution! However, today I got notice from my College that I will HAVE to use MS Project Software for my latest course unit. Period. Before getting notification about this, I had looked at the excellent Mr Project for Linux--which I believe does allow Gantt graph design (though limited at this time).
Anyhow--so much for choice! I have had to wipe off my Mandrake install (which was fresh) and put on Windows ME (since I won't pay the money for XP). Straight after install, I got a BSOD; I have also had to invest in Antivirus software :-( That's something I haven't done for about two years (thanks to Linux)!
Mayeb those screaming for more choice in ICT within schools and also for the end-user should keep up their good work...otherwise this damned OS will drive me MAD.
Oh well- at least my laptop still has Linux on it :-)
Paul
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------------------------------------- Simon Davies System Manager Queen Elizabeth Cambria School Tel : 01267 236451 Fax : 01267 238224 www.satproj.org.uk/~cambria -------------------------------------
This whole MS thing is turning into a right mess. On one side you have all the techy types who know whats good for them, ie Linux, or anything apart from BSOD MS, and on the other hand you have the Government, Teachers and Pupils who mostly fear change, even if it will save x amount of quids.#
Actually the pupils arn't really an issue here, more likely to be their parents who'd make an issue of it. Also you've missed off LEA advisors from the list..
The bottom line is, this is a personal opinion so disagree if you like, that although Linux is technically more attractive in reality it is a daunting thought to most people. For the simple reason that nearly everyone who has
But this attitude only exists in respect of computers. To the end user there is not a huge amount of difference anyway.
bought a PC in the last 3 years will have an MS product on it, meaning they know their way about it, Internet Explorer, MS Office, etc. Sadly the
No they *think* they know what they are doing with it. Since multi-user support is something of a kludge in Windows. A workstation on a network operates somewhat differently from a standalone machine.
educational support for Linux is lacking and all the popular packages available for MS are not available for Linux.
If you've dealt with quite a few supliers you might well come to the conclusion that "support" often may as well be lacking.
I have had this argument so many times with a lot of people, they all seem to agree that they havent got time to change over to a system that might not look the same, behave the same as their beloved Windows.
Which is a nonsensical argument considering the number of times Microsoft has changed...
After talking to Microsoft yesterday, they are attempting to respond to the Linux "threat" by offering cheaper licencing and customisable School Agreements, but they still feel that they are under no serious immediate threat.
How about documentation and systems actally designed with central (rather than end user) administration in mind... -- Mark Evans St. Peter's CofE High School Phone: +44 1392 204764 X109 Fax: +44 1392 204763
On Wednesday 05 December 2001 16:01, Paul Munro wrote:
Mayeb those screaming for more choice in ICT within schools and also for the end-user should keep up their good work...otherwise this damned OS will drive me MAD.
Imagine insisting that all schools teach only English because its the industry standard language :-) Probably a stronger case in terms of cost than to make the OS a standard. Its a "cultural" issue not a technical one. Regards, -- IanL Open Source - save money - employ more teachers Use Star Office the free replacement for Microsoft Office
participants (4)
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simon＠qec.carms.sch.uk