Are Colleges Helping to Maintain the Microsoft Monopoly?

lexus99 asks: "Recently, while attending college and wanting to take tests in order to avoid taking basic computer courses, I have signed up for a few SAM (Skills Assessment Manager) tests. What really surprised me is that these tests are entirely based upon Microsoft products (Windows XP and Office XP). Note that this course is -required- before taking any any of the more advanced courses. Is this not a clear cut case of U.S. Colleges forcing its students to exclusively use Microsoft's software? Does Microsoft pay for this 'privledge', or do the schools get some type of M$ discounts? I don't believe that I will have any problem passing these tests, as I frequently use M$ software in my workplace, but I cannot help but feel insulted that I have to take them in order to take more advanced UNIX courses." This issue is a lot more complex than it sounds. Many colleges fall into Microsoft's software because they do get decent volume discounts and Microsoft provides them with decent service, so why change what works? However, with the new licensing schemes that Microsoft is beginning to push, maybe we'll see some change in this area in the near future. Have any of you seen evidence of Microsoft worming it's way into your college courses?

Comments

Graphics @ ASU

[E1v!$]

In my 400 level 'intro to graphics' the professor REQUIRED that we use MS Products for developement.

Several weeks later after ~50% of the class wouldn't be quiet about it, he said he'd allow any language, but no others were supported by the TA.

The following semester he continued to allow any tools/language, but only 'supported' M$.

$6 a copy

[Peapod]

At UTD where I currently am attending, and the same with all UT system schools (including, but not limited to Tyler, El Paso, Austin, etc.) its $6 a copy for Win98SE, Win2k or WinXP Pro.

$6

I know this is not the popular opinion here, but for $6, I can have me a Legal copy of any of the preceeding OSes. I hate to say it, because I think that Micro$oft (ooo.. look at me, I'm cool becuase I used $ in stead of an 's.' I'm a clever boy) has too much sway and control over computing these days, but this is simply good business. Continuing to keep people using your products is not a sign of a monopoly, its a sign of a competitive business. All smart companies that desire to remain companies will do this.

I went out and got all three and then some other MS software because its dirt cheap, it does what I want and its what the world uses. Eventually, I will have a server running, using Linux, but not for my desktop.

But then again, I'm probably just a troll sell out or something. I can kiss my kharma good bye for this one can't because I have original ideas can't I?

GCC in schools

[0x0d0a]

I have to agree.

GCC is a much better tool than Visual Studio for most people.

You could drop $100-$2000 on your development system for a product that's limited to few languages, doesn't support C anymore, and can't run anywhere but Windows, and has a UI that keeps changing, rendering old skills obsolete.

You could also get a software package that's freely downloadable, supports lots of languages (and keeps getting more), and runs on just about every software package known to mankind.

The choice seems pretty straightforward to me.

Re:Wordperfect

[benjamindees]

If I were going into the Law field, I would probably want to learn WordPerfect, as this is what a large majority of Law Firms use.

I consult for a law firm and this is a big problem. Interns come in straight from undergrad and bitch and cry because they don't have Word. Despite the glaring security holes and lesser functionality for lawyers, they are considering deploying Word on their workstations alongside Wordperfect just to stay compatible with their clients and to pacify these interns.

Re:I don't see the problem ...

[ceejayoz]

When knowledge of Powerpoint is "REQUIRED", it most certainly emplants an early familiality of that program instead of more capable products such as MacroMedia's [macromedia.com] "Director," for example. It is a fact that most people continue to use the same software they learned in school, further fueling the M$ monolopy.

Director a replacement for Powerpoint? Horseshit. Director is $1200 and geared towards things like Shockwave apps, not basic slide presentations. They're completely different products.