This would definitely be a great move, except that CSV is inadequate for the task. PDF and XML are also space hungry formats. It may be better to persuade the owner of the resource to have an OOo version available (powerful, open and space efficient format). This has the added benefit of introducing people to OOo and its StarOffice relative in a positive way, while helping those schools/LEAs who've already moved in that direction gain access to resources. It might also help to offer to carry out the conversion (while making the free (in lots of ways) and socially inclusive nature of OOo clear. -----Original Message----- From: Giles Nunn To: suse-list Sent: 4/15/03 10:14 AM Subject: Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] SchoolForge UK - some thoughts..... On Mon, 2003-04-14 at 08:55, MJ Ray wrote: <snip>

Finally, some resources are only available in proprietary software formats. Where possible, it would be good to convert them to

transparant

formats and persuade resource sites to ask people to do that when uploading if possible. I guess that everyone on this list can see the benefits of doing that?

Definitely a good move. Having all teaching resources available in standard open formats would be a major step forward. What would the best standard data format for the various common apps? Some are easy but others might cause problems - what should we use for M$ Publisher, for example. We could compile a list of data format alternatives, much like the free software alternatives list mentioned recently. eg APP Proprietary Open database access, SQL, SIMS etc csv documents word, amipro, wordperfect XML?,pdf? image bmp, gif etc png What does eveyone think? -- ---------------------------- Giles Nunn - ISP Officer Carms ICT Development Centre +44 1267 228277 ---------------------------- -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-unsubscribe@suse.com For additional commands, e-mail: suse-linux-uk-schools-help@suse.com