Microsoft vs. Northwest Schools Part II

sharkey writes "Simple End User Linux (SEUL) has an article about their visit to the ACPE 2002 conference. Microsoft's visit to the conference is outlined, as well as the school districts' attitude towards GPL software and migration issues. An interesting follow-up to an earlier Slashdot article."

Comments

From the article.

[Hiro Antagonist]

In our district we have God control over our machines and dictate all hardware and network decisions, but even then have had to give some leeway on software installs for political issues.

I prefer to take a more hands-on approach and use "root", rather than a third-party administration product of dubious reliability, scalability, and quality. ;)

Re:From the article.

[bluGill]

Oh come on now. Granted God rarely takes an interest in computers, but when he does, watch out. Nothing like lightening from the skys to remind people to be good. And life in the slammer is nothing compared to infinity in hell. Accually God hasn't been known to act directly in a few thousand years, but that doesn't mean he won't act again.

Or do you belive in some other god with less or different powers? Thats your choice, as for me, when I'm told God is watching I'm extra careful as the potential enforcement is a lot worse than anything root can cook up. Root just is more likely to act.

And, an attempt to buy their way out...

[slow_flight]

They did a great job of disarming the most worried school folks and then hosted an open bar for the rest of the afternoon.

I think that says it all.

Re:And, an attempt to buy their way out...

[Lxy]

a new definition to "free as in beer", anyway....

Re:Yes, that's the problem

[fava]

> a flock of geeks

I always thought it was a gaggle of geeks or a nest of nerds.

Re:shooting self in foot

[Eccles]

It's interesting that Microsoft's auditing process is acting as a catalyst to mainstream linux awareness and possible adoption at the public school level.

Isn't someone going to quote Princess Leia? ("The more you tighten your grip..." )

I must be at the wrong website.

Re:What's wrong with education?

[peddrenth]

"No one is worried about the kids"

Well obviously. The kids will be recompiling kernels and root-kitting computers before the software's been installed a day, if it's anything like the schools I know.

Re:The problem is

[corporatemutantninja]

Yeah, Bush sucks. I remember the good old days when Bill & Al were in the White House and Microsoft was just a socially conscious underdog struggling against the tyranny of Apple... ...um, or did I get that wrong?

Re:A teacher's point of view

[Boulder Geek]

But I'm also a taxpayer in the school district I teach in, and it makes me angry that our school district has also chosen to be a whore to the M$ brothel.

Technically, the role played by the district is of a "john" in the MSFT brothel: They pay money to get screwed, and possibly catch a dangerous virus.

Re:Yes, that's the problem

[discogravy]

The schools don't need a flock of geeks, they need consistent, reliable support.

...because consistent, reliable support is what Microsoft is known for.

Re:Two things that strike me

[Anonymous Coward]

Microsoft can't afford any more PR hits

What part of "Forty Billion US Dollars in cash" do you not undersatnd?