Regarding patents: formats like the MPEG formats are widely understood and
there is a lot of Free Software to run it. That's similar to .doc and OOXML
formats. However, the main issue surrounding those formats is patents... For
any developers in the US, or countries that cooperate with the US, that could
be problematic. What's the point in using Free Software if not everyone can
use, modify and distribute it, without legal difficulties?
I encourage people to use ODF, Ogg and other unencumbered format, but at the
same time I don't object to reading those formats using Free Software.
Regarding your problem: I had perhaps a slightly similar issue - one of my
assignments required use of proprietary software which tried to force me to
agree to a EULA, even on the university computers. I simply told the unit
coordinator that I didn't agree to the EULA, so the software would not work
for me. I asked if I could use a free replacement (I'm yet to get a reply,
and time is ticking away on doing the assignment).
That's sad that you have to agree to using proprietary software, but I won't
blame you. Your college has put you in a very difficult position.
Does the college have any computers at the campus, which you can temporarily
use? That's how I have to get some of my assignments completed. I don't
believe using someone else's computer temporarily doesn't make you accept any
EULAs and you can't control what someone else does with their computer.
That's not ideal, but it would be the best compromise.
