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Federal Grant Applications to Require Windows

Posted by timothy on from the please-don't-blame-this-on-the-free-market dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Grants.gov requires MS Windows to apply for a Federal grant. This will eventually replace all Federal grant application processes. If the federal government does not change this policy and allow multiple operating systems to work with the application process, it will effectively be a Microsoft tax on Federal grant money. You must purchase (or acquire by other means) Microsoft Windows to apply for a Federal grant. There are currently web based Federal grant application processes that work on multiple platforms. However, they will be moving to the new system that requires Windows. I recommend writing your federal representative and senators. Resources provided by public funding should be OS independent."

78 comments

  1. Oh for God's sake by QuantumG · · Score: 1, Funny

    Quit WhINEing.

    --
    How we know is more important than what we know.
    1. Re:Oh for God's sake by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If I'm on a Mac WINE doesn't help.

    2. Re:Oh for God's sake by drakethegreat · · Score: 2, Funny

      *Turns on Sarcastic Voice*

      This guy is right. Its not our job to support what we believe in. Its our job to be quiet and let corporate america and the government do what they want cause thats what good citizens do!

    3. Re:Oh for God's sake by QuantumG · · Score: 0, Troll

      Yeah, cause if you're a Mac user you really want to work for "the man".

      --
      How we know is more important than what we know.
    4. Re:Oh for God's sake by tacocat · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Cute line, but you're being an ass.

      This is an excellent point and needs more consideration than you are willing to give it. If I go to a University, they may require Windows. But they have a few things different from the Government.

      1. You signed up for going to that University. No one asked me in the birth canal.
      2. You can ask beforehand if they have a Windows only policy. I don't recall that conversation in the womb.
      3. They offer computer labs with Windows. Where are the US Government supplied computers available?
      At this rate we might be better off getting non-Windows users added to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

      Actually this makes a lot of sense, bear with me.

      A majority of people who have problems with Accessability, be it hearing, vision, arms or legs, have below average income levels. I don't know exactly why, but they do, it's a measurable fact. Since they have lower income levels, they often times are not in a position to afford newer computers.

      One associate of mine who is near deaf works on a project refurbishing old computers with Linux on them for these people to use. For many, this is the only machine that they have ready access to. But because of the costs and license restrictions, these machines simply cannot have Windows on them at all.

      So in a very legitimate way, this may be an issue for the ADA.

    5. Re:Oh for God's sake by BrokenHalo · · Score: 1
      Quit WhINEing.

      Point taken (for what it was worth - i.e. not much). I get very tired of the message that "We do not support Linux/OS X/BSD/alternative operating system of your choice". OK, I am not a denizen of the US, but common sense says to me that this requirement on the part of the Grants office is inequitable.

      Personally, my faith is not in politicians, so I wouldn't bother canvassing them to redress the balance, but if I had a stake in this I would consider legal action against the authority. The mills of legal systems grind slowly, but a successful action would almost guarantee a change of attitude where other forms of protest would amount to howling in the wilderness.

    6. Re:Oh for God's sake by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      They LOVE The Man because that's the only way to get enough money to afford a mac. And really, who's more of the man, billionaire Steve Jobs (aka The Man) or hippy thousandaire Linus Torvalds?

    7. Re:Oh for God's sake by StormKrow · · Score: 1

      If you're a mac user... ....do you even work?

      --
      Who cares about the ozone layer?...thanks to CFC's I can write my name......IN CHEESE!!!
  2. Mail by Pinefresh · · Score: 3, Insightful

    It seems like there would be a way to apply by mail. If not, then this doesn't matter, since you already must purchase (or acquire by other means) a computer.

    1. Re:Mail by node+3 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      It seems like there would be a way to apply by mail.

      TFA doesn't point to a mail-in form, or even mention the existance of one. It does, however, state, "You will submit the application online."

      If not, then this doesn't matter, since you already must purchase (or acquire by other means) a computer.

      No one is complaining here that you have to buy or acquire a computer, but that you have to buy or acquire a Windows computer. Not only did you not RTFA, but you didn't even RTF slashdot summary.

    2. Re:Mail by Pinefresh · · Score: 1

      actually I read both. my point that a computer being a prerequisite to a federal grant is exactly as unfair as a computer being a prerequiste to a federal grant. I suppose I didn't spell things out as clearly as I should have, I assumed that most people at slashdot are smart enough to understand what I was trying to say. I hope this clarifys things for you.

    3. Re:Mail by node+3 · · Score: 1

      I hope this clarifys things for you.

      Actually, it doesn't...

      my point that a computer being a prerequisite to a federal grant is exactly as unfair as a computer being a prerequiste to a federal grant

      OK, that's logical and all. A=A. But this isn't A=A, it's A (you need a computer) and B (you need a Windows computer). In this case, A!=B.

    4. Re:Mail by RealityMogul · · Score: 2, Funny

      Yes, everybody but node3 understands what you mean. But since this is /. we have agreed to only bitch about any usage of Windows, and not the sacred computer itself. Its in the TOS somewhere.

    5. Re:Mail by Gr8Apes · · Score: 1

      But I bought a Mac.

      --
      The cesspool just got a check and balance.
    6. Re:Mail by MrResistor · · Score: 1

      Perhaps you haven't heard yet, but it there are computers being sold today without Windows. There are even computers being sold on which Windows will not ever run.

      Yes, you are correct that requiring a computer at all is perhaps unfair, although in reality most federal grant applicants will probably need to have a computer anyway. However, the ADDITIONAL requirement of having Windows is not merely unfair, but pointlessly so (as proven by the fact that many of the current systems this is supposed to replace are OS independent).

      In raw numbers, I can buy a brand new, perfectly functional computer for $200. Putting Windows on it would cost me an additional $70, and provide me no meaningful additional functionality other than that I can now use this new federal grant application process. That's what the "Microsoft Tax" is, and it's quite reasonable to complain about it.

      --
      Under capitalism man exploits man. Under communism it's the other way around.
  3. Mac support by avalys · · Score: 5, Informative

    If you click the "PureEdge for Mac" link, you'll see that their solution to supporting Macs is having you buy Virtual PC.

    --
    This space intentionally left blank.
    1. Re:Mac support by shufler · · Score: 4, Insightful
      The parent was modded Informative, however a few more points need to be considered:



      This means you are now paying Microsoft for Windows AND the program to get it running on your Mac. Perhaps Mac owners can afford to do this.
    2. Re:Mac support by Bastian · · Score: 1

      It may be that a research shop that uses Macs could afford to do this, but considering that I've heard of research groups choosing Macs because they can be cheaper after you factor in the cost of custom software development, I doubt that that is necessarily the case.

      Besides, you could probably pick up an eMachine or similar for less than the cost of a copy of VirtualPC and a copy of Windows.

  4. contact info link by bersl2 · · Score: 5, Informative

    http://grants.gov/ContactUs

    Let 'em have it.

    1. Re:contact info link by WhiteBandit · · Score: 4, Informative

      Sent the following email to support@grants.gov, as well as my local representative. We'll see what happens:

      Hello,

      I'm writing to protest that the website Grants.Gov requires Microsoft Windows to apply for a federal grant, effectively placing a sort of "Microsoft Tax" on all grant applications.

      Interestingly enough, there is link on the website entitled, "PureEdge Support for Macintosh" which opens up the following PDF: http://grants.gov/GrantsGov_UST_Grantee/!SSL!/WebH elp/MacSupportforPureEdge.pdf

      This PDF states that you can use VirtualPC on your Macintosh to apply for a grant.

      VirtualPC is also a Microsoft Program, which requires you to buy VirtualPC ($129 base price) in addition to Microsoft Windows! It's downright ridiculous, especially since Apple users are basically being charged twice to apply for a grant.

      VirtualPC Link: http://www.microsoft.com/mac/products/virtualpc/vi rtualpc.aspx

      I hope something can be done about this situation. Thank you.

    2. Re:contact info link by Omega+Hacker · · Score: 4, Funny

      Thanks. You prompted me to finally get off my butt for once and write something up. Here it is:

      I was thrilled to discover that should I ever need to apply for a Federal grant, I must give my hard-earned money to Microsoft, before I am even allowed to view the application, let alone fill it in.

      Good to see that the government really does take its own judicial rulings seriously, and really puts the clamps on a (twice) convicted monopolist.

      It's also good to see that the government communicates smoothly and efficiently, so that when the Office of Management and Budget requires that all new government purchase *not* require specific brands (such as Microsoft) when there is no reason whatsoever to do so, and the Department of Homeland Security *STRONGLY* suggests that people avoid Microsoft software in any situation where security is even remotely important (like say submarines <cough>), other branches of government actually pay attention and adjust their practices accordingly.

      And I'm glad to be informed that Adobe Acrobat, which is available for all major platforms, is shockingly not sufficient for the process of filling out forms on the computer. I never would have guessed, having done my taxes via that method just days ago.

      Oh, and you might be glad to have me tell you that this message is *dripping* with sarcasm. Very appropriately deserved sarcasm, for a very stupid, wasteful, and inappropriate decision to require Windows.

      Thanks for spending my tax dollars so wisely! (sarcasm again, in case you somehow missed it)
      --
      GStreamer - The only way to stream!
    3. Re:contact info link by RM6f9 · · Score: 0, Redundant

      Thanks - I copied and pasted your missive in my own email to support@grants.gov
      Likely, they'll listen to our protests over this about as much as they listened to my vote. (not at all) - but, still had to try.

      --
      Take the 90-Day Challenge! http://rwmurker.bodybyvi.com/
    4. Re:contact info link by 0x461FAB0BD7D2 · · Score: 1

      It'd be almost Orweillian, and yet sickly appropriate, if Microsoft Word crashed while you were writing that letter.

    5. Re:contact info link by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah, nice job. Because what bureaucrats--nay, people in general--respond to best is withering sarcasm. That really makes folks want to listen to you. That really gets folks to change their minds. Asshole.

    6. Re:contact info link by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      wow you mean , exactly like you just did without the witt .

    7. Re:contact info link by stevey · · Score: 2, Funny

      I'm afraid I don't own Microsoft Windows.

      Perhaps I could apply for a Federal Grant, to fund the purchase of a new machine with it installed?

    8. Re:contact info link by Ioldanach · · Score: 1

      I received a reply today, the contents follow: Dear Mr. ....., Thank you for your recent inquiry to Grants.gov concerning the Pure Edge viewer. Grants.gov has been working with Pure Edge to offer a viewer that is compatible with as many operating systems as possible. We feel that we are not too far from achieving that goal, and when we do, be sure that information will be posted on our website. In the meantime, we apologize if the viewer options we offer for your operating system are not acceptable. Our goal is to ensure the widest possible acceptance of Grants.gov and certainly not to exclude anyone from the electronic grants submission process. To that end, as a first step, we ensured that the Pure Edge viewer will work with a Windows emulator program, as described on our website. Grants.gov employs the PureEdge Viewer 6.0 for viewing and completing application forms. The PureEdge viewer's 508 compliance is described at http://www.pureedge.com/products/products/PureEdge AccessibilityGuide.pdf. Grants.gov sponsored testing of the PureEdge viewer demonstrated the viewer's compatibility with the widely used Jaws screen reader. An enhanced version of the PureEdge Viewer that will include compatibility with a broader range of screen reader products through support for industry standard interfaces for accessibility is in the process of being tested and upon successful completion of testing will be posted to the site. Feel free to contact us should you have further inquiries. Your case number is ...... Please reference this number when contacting us in the future for further assistance. Thank you, Charity Grants.gov Customer Support www.grants.gov On April 19, 2005 at 10:44 PM, Ioldanach wrote: >How can I apply for a grant from my linux system or OS X system? I >don't have a windows machine available

    9. Re:contact info link by Ioldanach · · Score: 1
      Oops, I forgot to format it. Sorry.

      Dear Mr. ......,

      Thank you for your recent inquiry to Grants.gov concerning the Pure Edge viewer.

      Grants.gov has been working with Pure Edge to offer a viewer that is compatible with as many operating systems as possible. We feel that we are not too far from achieving that goal, and when we do, be sure that information will be posted on our website. In the meantime, we apologize if the viewer options we offer for your operating system are not acceptable. Our goal is to ensure the widest possible acceptance of Grants.gov and certainly not to exclude anyone from the electronic grants submission process. To that end, as a first step, we ensured that the Pure Edge viewer will work with a Windows emulator program, as described on our website.

      Grants.gov employs the PureEdge Viewer 6.0 for viewing and completing application forms. The PureEdge viewer's 508 compliance is described at http://www.pureedge.com/products/products/PureEdge AccessibilityGuide.pdf. Grants.gov sponsored testing of the PureEdge viewer demonstrated the viewer's compatibility with the widely used Jaws screen reader. An enhanced version of the PureEdge Viewer that will include compatibility with a broader range of screen reader products through support for industry standard interfaces for accessibility is in the process of being tested and upon successful completion of testing will be posted to the site.

      Feel free to contact us should you have further inquiries.

      Your case number is ...... Please reference this number when contacting us in the future for further assistance.

      Thank you,

      Charity
      Grants.gov Customer Support
      www.grants.gov

      On April 19, 2005 at 10:44 PM, Ioldanach
      <...@.....com> wrote:

      >How can I apply for a grant from my linux system or OS X system? I
      >don't have a windows machine available

    10. Re:contact info link by yarbo · · Score: 1

      I sent them an email yesterday, and this was their response:

      Dear Mr. Lesniak,

      Thank you for your recent inquiry to Grants.gov concerning the Pure Edge viewer.
      Grants.gov has been working with Pure Edge to offer a viewer that is compatible with as many operating systems as possible. We feel that we are not too far from achieving that goal, and when we do, be sure that information will be posted on our website. In the meantime, we apologize if the viewer options we offer for your operating system are not acceptable. Our goal is to ensure the widest possible acceptance of Grants.gov and certainly not to exclude anyone from the electronic grants submission process. To that end, as a first step, we ensured that the Pure Edge viewer will work with a Windows emulator program, as described on our website.
      Grants.gov employs the PureEdge Viewer 6.0 for viewing and completing application forms. The PureEdge viewer's 508 compliance is described at http://www.pureedge.com/products/products/PureEdge AccessibilityGuide.pdf. Grants.gov sponsored testing of the PureEdge Viewer demonstrated the viewer's compatibility with the widely used Jaws screen reader. An enhanced version of the PureEdge Viewer that will include compatibility with a broader range of screen reader products through support for industry standard interfaces for accessibility is in the process of being tested and upon successful completion of testing will be posted to the site.

      Feel free to contact us should you have further inquiries.

      Your case number is 55982. Please reference this number when contacting us in the future for further assistance.

      Thank you,

      Charity
      Grants.gov Customer Support
      www.grants.gov

    11. Re:contact info link by RM6f9 · · Score: 1

      What I got back:
      " Dear Ross,

      Thanks you for your recent inquiry to Grants.gov concerning the Pure Edge viewer.

      Grants.gov has been working with Pure Edge to offer a viewer that is compatible with as many operating systems as possible. We feel that we are not too far from achieving that goal, and when we do, be sure that information will be posted on our website
      . In the meantime, we apologize if the viewer options we offer for your operating system are not acceptable. Our goal is to ensure the widest possible acceptance of Grants.gov and certainly not to exclude anyone from the electronic grants submission pr
      ocess. To that end, as a first step, we ensured that the Pure Edge viewer will work with a Windows emulator program, as described on our website.

      Grants.gov employs the PureEdge Viewer 6.0 for viewing and completing application forms. The PureEdge viewer's 508 compliance is described at http://www.pureedge.com/products/products/PureEdge AccessibilityGuide.pdf Grants.gov sponsored testing of the Pu
      reEdge viewer demonstrated the viewer's compatibility with the widely used Jaws screen reader. An enhanced version of the PureEdge Viewer that will include compatibility with a broader range of screen reader products through support for industry standard
      interfaces for accessibility is in the process of being tested and upon successful completion of testing will be posted to the site.

      Feel free to contact us should you have further inquiries.

      Thank you,

      Gwenn
      Grants.gov, Customer Support
      www.grants.gov"

      --
      Take the 90-Day Challenge! http://rwmurker.bodybyvi.com/
    12. Re:contact info link by agacat · · Score: 1

      The actual address is support@grants.gov

      I just emailed them the following:

      I do not have a Windows computer. I do not have access to a Windows computer. I would be willing to start a group to port your PureEdge Viewer application to Linux and/or other operating systems such as Solaris (Sun).

      I object to the government requiring the use of specific and costly COTS software in order to access and use a public function.

      I heartily agree with the suggestion that /. readers should email the govt en masse and see if it makes any difference. A marvelous site on which to find the email addresses of your representative and your senators is http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/.

      As for emailing my Congressional representatives, I will, but I'm in PA - the Santorum state.

    13. Re:contact info link by pudge · · Score: 1
      This is the mail I sent:

      I would like to apply for a grant to buy Windows computers for my school. Can you give me the grant money now, so I can apply, as Windows is required for application? I promise I'll pay you back if I get turned down.

    14. Re:contact info link by aichpvee · · Score: 1
      Grants.gov has been working with Pure Edge to offer a viewer that is compatible with as many operating systems as possible.

      Look, they've already got it working with FIVE operating systems! There's Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT4, Windows 2000, Windows XP!

      I bet they're working on Windows 95 right this instant. Or maybe Windows CE is next on the list of priorities.

      --
      The Farewell Tour II
  5. One step forward, one step back by crow · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Just after the federal government emphasized the importance of being brand-neutral in purchasing (i.e., don't specify Intel chips when AMD will do the job), they turn around and do essentially the opposite with grants.

    Sure, it's two totally different arms of the a giant bureaucracy.

    1. Re:One step forward, one step back by bersl2 · · Score: 1, Redundant

      http://grants.gov/GSIAbout

      I think there was a period for taking comments (end of the plan document), but no one mentioned ability to be cross-platform.

  6. Write and complain by Holi · · Score: 4, Informative

    Here is the the contact info

    Grants.gov Program Management Office Mailing Address:

    200 Independence Avenue, SW
    HHH Building, Room 739F
    Washington, DC 20201

    Grants.gov Contact Center Phone Number: 1-800-518-4726

    --
    Sorry, teleporters just kill you and then make a copy. A perfect, soul-less copy.
    1. Re:Write and complain by kernelfoobar · · Score: 1

      200 Independence Avenue, SW

      Question to grammar/language nazis: isn't THAT irony (in relation to the submitted story)?

      --
      Here we go again!
    2. Re:Write and complain by Holi · · Score: 1

      Last night I wrote them a quick email to show my feelings, this morning I got a reply:

      Thanks you for your recent inquiry to Grants.gov concerning the Pure Edge viewer.

      Grants.gov has been working with Pure Edge to offer a viewer that is compatible with as many operating systems as possible. We feel that we are not too far from achieving that goal, and when we do, be sure that information will be posted on our website. In the meantime, we apologize if the viewer options we offer for your operating system are not acceptable. Our goal is to ensure the widest possible acceptance of Grants.gov and certainly not to exclude anyone from the electronic grants submission process. To that end, as a first step, we ensured that the Pure Edge viewer will work with a Windows emulator program, as described on our website.

      Grants.gov employs the PureEdge Viewer 6.0 for viewing and completing application forms. The PureEdge viewer's 508 compliance is described at http://www.pureedge.com/products/products/PureEdge AccessibilityGuide.pdf. Grants.gov sponsored testing of the PureEdge viewer demonstrated the viewer's compatibility with the widely used Jaws screen reader. An enhanced version of the PureEdge Viewer that will include compatibility with a broader range of screen reader products through support for industry standard interfaces for accessibility is in the process of being tested and upon successful completion of testing will be posted to the site.

      Feel free to contact us should you have further inquiries.

      Your case number is 55957. Please reference this number when contacting us in the future for further assistance.

      Thank you,

      Charity
      Grants.gov Customer Support
      www.grants.gov

      --
      Sorry, teleporters just kill you and then make a copy. A perfect, soul-less copy.
  7. Lets see by dtfinch · · Score: 4, Informative

    run installer in wine
    wait a long long while
    when the error dialog pops up, do not close it yet
    find the windows temp directory (example: /home/david/.wine/drive_c/windows/temp), and make a copy of the pftbdb~tmp
    you may close the installer
    open a terminal and cd to the copy of the temp install director you just created
    install "unshield" if you do not already have it
    $ mkdir data1
    $ unshield -d data1 x data1.cab
    $ cd data1/Java_Classes
    $ ls
    WTF!?? It's Java, but with tons of Windows dependencies.

    1. Re:Lets see by dtfinch · · Score: 4, Informative

      Beyond that, I couldn't get it to run.

    2. Re:Lets see by dtfinch · · Score: 4, Informative

      The application forms are in XFDL, if that helps anyone.

    3. Re:Lets see by dtfinch · · Score: 4, Funny

      It couldn't have been that informative. I didn't try very hard.

    4. Re:Lets see by LWATCDR · · Score: 1

      Great... What the heck. I mean really why write in in Java only to tack on a bunch of windows crap.

      --
      See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.
  8. You have not spent enough time in Washington. by mbstone · · Score: 2, Funny

    1. Purchase copy of Windows.
    2. Mark up copy of Windows and bill Uncle Sam.
    3. Profit!!

    1. Re:You have not spent enough time in Washington. by zev1983 · · Score: 1

      Hmmm, maybe you could take a tax deduction?

  9. Hahahaha.... by happymedium · · Score: 1

    from the please-don't-blame-this-on-the-free-market dept.

    Oh, but we will.....

  10. Logical Fallacy by DustMagnet · · Score: 2, Insightful
    Just because the current grants.gov requires Windows and all federal grants will eventually use grants.gov, does not mean that eventually they will all require Windows.

    I'll be much happier when NASA doesn't require sending physical paper (15+ copies!).

    --
    'SBEMAIL!' is better than a goat!!
  11. Re:Good heavens by Bastian · · Score: 5, Funny

    How many mod points can you milk out of this thread?

    You, sir, have earned my deepest respect.

  12. A little Googling by mchawi · · Score: 4, Informative

    http://64.233.187.104/search?q=cache:OTOiWnGpzuMJ: www.grants.gov/assets/MinutesJune.doc+pureedge+rea der+linux&hl=en&client=firefox-a/

    The article states:

    Q: Is PureEdge going to be available on the Macintosh and Linux platforms soon?

    A: We hope that over the next nine months to a year, we will be able to serve the Macintosh and Linux users. It is currently supporting both Netscape and Explorer.

    Some of the PureEdge products say they support Linux / Unix / Windows - so the reader might already support it. It's hard to tell though, since their website kind of sucks.

  13. Lets see-Viewer Download. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    http://www.pureedge.com/downloads/viewer/PEViewer6 20.exe

    Link for those who don't want to register.

  14. Who sez da' Word? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    What if he's using OpenOffice.org?

  15. EFF by xgamer04 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    If this actually happens (which it hopefully won't), I'll definitely be donating heavily to the EFF and encouraging them to file suit against the gov.

    --
    When you look at the state of the world, how can you not become a radical, liberal anarchist?
    1. Re:EFF by orkysoft · · Score: 1

      Maybe the EFF should apply for a grant to file this suit...

      --

      I suffer from attention surplus disorder.
    2. Re:EFF by xgamer04 · · Score: 1

      Wow. Just...wow. This is the best. comment. ever.

      --
      When you look at the state of the world, how can you not become a radical, liberal anarchist?
  16. Unable to apply for grants by mwa · · Score: 1
    Hello,

    I'd like to apply for a grant to enable the grants.gov grant application
    process to be platform independent so applicants using non-Microsoft
    operating systems can apply on an equal footing with Microsoft
    customers.

    But I can't because I don't have any Microsoft operating systems.
    Am I required to pay Microsoft to get eCitizen support?
  17. Reply from grants.gov by LordNimon · · Score: 4, Informative
    I also sent them a nasty email, and this is the reply I got:

    Thank you for your recent inquiry to Grants.gov concerning the Pure Edge viewer.

    Grants.gov has been working with Pure Edge to offer a viewer that is compatible with as many operating systems as possible. We feel that we are not too far from achieving that goal, and when we do, be sure that information will be posted on our website. In the meantime, we apologize if the viewer options we offer for your operating system are not acceptable. Our goal is to ensure the widest possible acceptance of Grants.gov and certainly not to exclude anyone from the electronic grants submission process. To that end, as a first step, we ensured that the Pure Edge viewer will work with a Windows emulator program, as described on our website.

    Grants.gov employs the PureEdge Viewer 6.0 for viewing and completing application forms. The PureEdge viewer's 508 compliance is described at http://www.pureedge.com/products/products/PureEdge AccessibilityGuide.pdf. Grants.gov sponsored testing of the PureEdge viewer demonstrated the viewer's compatibility with the widely used Jaws screen reader. An enhanced version of the PureEdge Viewer that will include compatibility with a broader range of screen reader products through support for industry standard interfaces for accessibility is in the process of being tested and upon successful completion of testing will be posted to the site.

    Feel free to contact us should you have further inquiries.

    --
    And the men who hold high places must be the ones who start
    To mold a new reality... closer to the heart
    1. Re:Reply from grants.gov by turbosk · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I just did get off the phone with a wonderful person named Estelle (sp?) at the grants.gov phone #, and she cheerfully took my complaint and made an effort to be most helpful and polite. She did say they "have received many emails today for some reason" :)

      I suggested they use PDF, and I see from your comment that PureEdge uses it "....oducts/PureEdge AccessibilityGuide.pdf" and complained about the MS lock-in system that grants.gov has right now. She read me the standard reply they send all the emails.

      Anyway, this is the first time I've ever called the gubmint, and it was a positive experience.

    2. Re:Reply from grants.gov by Directrix1 · · Score: 1

      So trade Microsoft lock in for Adobe lock in?

      --
      Occam's razor is the blind faith in the natural selection of least resistance and in universal oversimplification. -- EF
    3. Re:Reply from grants.gov by ErisCalmsme · · Score: 1

      I sent them a "not so nasty" email, and got the same response as above. I was about to post it here, actually. I knew that the reply came too fast... I got the automated reply, and then this came a few minutes later. Of course now I see it was another automated reply...

      --
      Chaos is Divine *
    4. Re:Reply from grants.gov by Holi · · Score: 1

      PDF, though created by Adobe, is an open standard and anyone write applications to read and write pdf documents royalty free.

      --
      Sorry, teleporters just kill you and then make a copy. A perfect, soul-less copy.
    5. Re:Reply from grants.gov by Directrix1 · · Score: 1

      Is an open standard that is controlled by a company really an open standard though? Couldn't they change the standard on a whim, and break competitors products?

      --
      Occam's razor is the blind faith in the natural selection of least resistance and in universal oversimplification. -- EF
    6. Re:Reply from grants.gov by lakeland · · Score: 1

      Er, no. That's why standards are published.

      I suppose they could really confuse people by creating a new version of the standard which is neither open nor backwards compatible, but I'd be surprised if they were stupid enough to do that.

    7. Re:Reply from grants.gov by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      I suppose they could really confuse people by creating a new version of the standard which is neither open nor backwards compatible, but I'd be surprised if they were stupid enough to do that.


      You're new here, aren't you?
  18. Cartoon by khujifig · · Score: 1

    This reminds me of a cartoon I saw once.
    There were two disembodied hands at a desk, the left is juggling with a few balls, and the right has a piece of paper on which it was scrawling in angry writing "tonight the left hand gets it. die die DIE!"

    1. Re:Cartoon by tomhudson · · Score: 1
      There were two disembodied hands at a desk, the left is juggling with a few balls,
      Government grant for surfing pr0n?
    2. Re:Cartoon by danaris · · Score: 1

      I believe it was a Far Side cartoon, and the hands weren't disembodied, but attached to some poor unsuspecting schmuck.

      But yeah, that pretty much describes our government.

      Dan Aris

      --
      Fun. Free. Online. RPG. BattleMaster.
  19. Requiring a computer by Anonym0us+Cow+Herd · · Score: 1

    We don't seem to generally complain too much when government processes require the use of a telephone. Or postal mail. Both of which cost you money. Both of which seem to be reasonable ways of conducting business with anyone including the government.

    I don't have a problem with the government conducting business on the Internet, as long as it doesn't require Windows. The government doesn't require you to use a particular brand of envelopes or paper or pen for snail mail, you are not required to use certian brands of equipment or service to use the telephone to interact with the government, thus you should not be required to use certian brands of computer, or OS.

    --
    The price of freedom is eternal litigation.
  20. Man Date by Safety+Cap · · Score: 1

    That's becuz the Man has the biggest Teat you can ever suckle at!!!111

    --
    Yeah, right.
  21. Reply from grants.gov-XML Standard. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "I suggested they use PDF, and I see from your comment that PureEdge uses it "....oducts/PureEdge AccessibilityGuide.pdf" and complained about the MS lock-in system that grants.gov has right now."

    There XFDL. That's an XML standard. The viewer is the one with the dependencies. So you'll get the stock answer "write your own" viewer.

  22. I need a grant to buy Windows by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Dear Government:

    I am the head librarian for AnyTown's public libraries. Last fall, we outfitted all of our libraries with state of the art PCs running the Linux operating system.

    Many of our patrons depend on us to apply for federal grants.

    We currently have 30 workstations spread over 4 sites. To convert each workstation to Windows will cost $4500 in licensing fees plus an estimated $2000 in employee time and $2000 in training costs.

    Where can I apply for a government grant to cover this cost?

    Sincerely,

    Ima L. Ibrarian

  23. As Jack O'Neil says, by suitepotato · · Score: 1

    "the left hand doesn't know what the right foot is doing". Between OMB and DHS, you'd think, wrongly, that they'd understand not to do this sort of thing. If you did think that, you might also the government exists for your benefit and not the other way around. Silly theorist...

    --
    If my grammar and spelling are off, I am [distracted/tired/careless] (take your pick)
  24. Except for one thing: by iq+in+binary · · Score: 1

    They do point you towards WINE. They're not the bad guys you think they are.

    http://grants.gov/DownloadViewer

    Take a look for yourselves, call customer support. They gave me a tutorial even on installing WINE!

    --
    Of all the Universal Constants, here's one I know: Nice guys finish last ;)
  25. queue Al Gore by bill_mcgonigle · · Score: 1

    Al Gore is on Apple's board of Directors. I'm sure he has contacts.

    There's no reason this all can't be done on the web. There are existing accessibility solutions for web browsing, so I don't want to hear that lame excuse.

    Go git 'em, Al!

    --
    My God, it's Full of Source!
    OUTSIDE_IP=$(dig +short my.ip @outsideip.net)
  26. Director of CISE/NSF uses a Mac by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    So does the deputy director of NSF and MANY others. I support NSF in Arlington and I can tell you MANY grant reviewers come in with Apple laptops.

    People are going to raise one hell of a stink over this.