Another argument would be that whatever version of word the child currently uses will look radically different by the time he uses it in business; that the company will provide specific training; that what matters are *transferable* skills and you can pick them up from OO or Word or Wordperfect. I believe kids *should* use more than one product, and should grapple with the real world issues over software compatibility. So by letting the child use M$ at home and OO at school you are going to increase real skills in the long term. What does matter short-term is when students do work at home and at school; not if you are doing your job properly, students will know how to use 'save as' to change file format, won't they? SO that's not an issue either. Parents who focus solely on little Jim doing project work are missing the point. [actually it might matter - I know from moving files between macs and PC that although text works fairly well, there will be font incompatibilities; that embedded pictures and objects like spreadsheet charts and graphs may not make the transition cleanly, and are unlikely to be editable on the new platform.] And you can still take the high ground over education v training: sorry I'm going off a bit at a tangent. Does the parent work for Microsoft? :-> -- Derek Grainge Microtechnology Wellington College 01344 444192 dgg@wellington-college.berks.sch.uk -----Original Message----- From: Matt Johnson [mailto:johnsonmlw@yahoo.com] Sent: 27 November 2003 14:14 To: SuSe Subject: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Open file formats and idiology Hi all, A rallying cry for some assistance in a scary world. We're thinking of replacing MS Office here (97) with Oo.o 1.1 (to be honest, it's going to happen!). I've received a letter from a parent who is "alarmed" that we may be considering any alternatives to Microsoft, -- ******************************************************************************** All mail sent and received may be examined to prevent transmission of unacceptable material. Wellington College does not accept responsibility for email contents. Problems to postmaster@wellington-college.berks.sch.uk. Website: http://www.wellington-college.berks.sch.uk ********************************************************************************