Federal Grant Applications to Require Windows

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."

Comments

Mail

[Pinefresh]

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.

Re:Mail

[node 3]

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.

One step forward, one step back

[crow]

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.

Re:Mac support

[shufler]

The parent was modded Informative, however a few more points need to be considered:

• Virtual PC still requires you to buy Microsoft Windows to use. The MSRP is $129.00.
• Virtural PC is owned by Microsoft.

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.

Logical Fallacy

[DustMagnet]

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!).

Re:Oh for God's sake

[tacocat]

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.

EFF

[xgamer04]

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.