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

Re:Reply from grants.gov

[turbosk]

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.

I need a grant to buy Windows

[Anonymous Coward]

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