Terry and all: I am not totally comfortable poking my nose into this, because I am not a Burlington resident (much less Ward 2 or 3), but I think there are a couple of points worth discussing:
1. The resolution doesn't make any mention of the fact that Free software is actually better for students, because it allows them to study the software they use and learn how it works, and because it gives teachers more freedom to use software in their classrooms without having to purchase it or deal with licensing issues. This is one area where Free software doesn't just do as well as proprietary products -- it goes way beyond them. 2. I realize I am throwing out possible flame-bait here, but I would avoid referring to "Ubuntu Linux." If you are referring specifically to the Ubuntu operating system and packages, just call it "Ubuntu." If you are referring to the broader class of operating systems that I would call "GNU/Linux," you might say "Linux-based operating systems," or even "FOSS operating systems," since there are other non-Linux FOSS OSes out there. 3. Finally, if you're interested in saving money, I would think you would want to remove as much proprietary software from the schools as possible -- not just Microsoft software. Although Microsoft Office and Windows are probably the most widespread and familiar examples, schools and government organizations spend a lot of money on third-party proprietary software, too (think network-management software, large databases, and so on). If I were writing this resolution, I would not make it specific to Microsoft software; go for the whole pie! Richard On Wed, Jun 11, 2008 at 3:01 PM, Richard Jeroloman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Here is the proposed FOSS/Linux resolution for the Ward 2&3 NPA meeting > Thursday evening. Let me know if there is anything that I missed or if you > want to recommend any changes. Also if there are any VAGUE members in the > area tomorrow evening, I urge you to come and vote for this resolution. The > NPA meeting starts at 7 PM and there is a free dinner at 6 PM. The location > is the Multigenerational/Senior center on North Winooski Avenue in > Burlington. I'm going to do a quick demo of Puppy Linux before the vote. > Terry > ________________________________ > > NPA FOSS/Linux Resolution > > Wards 2 & 3: June 12, 2008 > > Whereas: The schools and government offices spend large amounts of money > every year to purchase computer software from Microsoft. > Whereas: Free Open Source Software (FOSS) and more specifically Linux, > especially Ubuntu Linux can do almost everything equally well that the > Microsoft software can do. > Whereas: Free Open Source Software (FOSS) and more specifically Linux, > especially Ubuntu Linux is available totally free of charge. > Therefore be it resolved that: We do hereby request our school board and > City Council representatives to initiate inquiries into the feasibility of > saving taxpayer money by replacing Microsoft software with FOSS/Linux > software in the schools and in government offices. > > ________________________________ > Search that pays you back! Introducing Live Search cashback. Search Now! > > ________________________________ > Enjoy 5 GB of free, password-protected online storage. Get Windows Live > SkyDrive.
