Hmm, I think maybe it's time I weighed in here. Licensing costs for schools is a huge issue, but unfortunately threre are other issues which are also have to be taken into account.
1. Edcuational software. You wouldn't believe what's out there being used these days. This afternoon I'm installing an application that was designed for Win95. Why the teacher wants this app, I don't know but that's what she's planning to use and teach. Unfortunately it's not just Office and IE that keep us tied to Microsoft. 2. Retraining. I have enough trouble with staff here who use XP at home and can't figure their way around Win2K that we use. I can't even imagine what would happen if they were presented with KDE. 3. Hardware. Digital cameras, scanners, DV cameras, minidisc players, webcams, all with different brands, models and drivers. > >I asked why they had the old version - "licensing costs, we use >photoshop for the serious photography classes, but that costs an arm and >a leg" $800 a seat, and Adobe don't do educational discounts, I've had that scrap > >I am going to send the guy a link to the gimp website, the gimp of >course being available for windows, and having no licensing issues. Had that fight too, teacher basically told me that she'd learned Photoshop and had no reason to switch to another product and "start over". Of course I'm coming from a different angle than most schools given as we are better off than the majority. That being said, I'm planning a mass deception come next term break when I change the shortcut to IE to point to Firefox with the IE skin and see who notices. I've already done it to two family members computers and they never noticed. Perhaps these kinds of baby steps are the way to go, ala Munich > > ------------------------------------------------- Hamish McBrearty MCSE MCSA Network Engineer Rangi Ruru Girls' School 59 Hewitts Road Christchurch NEW ZEALAND Ph 03 355-6099 Fax 03 355-6027 CELL 021 999770 E-Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] --------------------------------------------------
