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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."

8 of 78 comments (clear)

  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 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!

  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:Lets see by dtfinch · · Score: 4, Funny

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

  4. 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!!

  5. 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.

  6. 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?

  7. 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.