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Australia's 'e-tax' Windows Only
Kinky Bass Junk writes "As the need to submit tax returns is looming, notification emails are sent out to users of the tax office's services. This year, the Australia Tax Office (ATO) is using a web-based tax return system, as well as the traditional paper based systems. The e-tax website has all the details, and the requirements of the software stand out: 'e-tax is not compatible with Linux or Apple Macintosh computers. However, if you have suitable Windows Emulator software installed, you may be able to use e-tax.' Here is a protest email I have set up for those who disagree with this."
This is a new move for the US goverment. I think it is a plus that they say that they don't run in Linux. Normaly they don't know anything about it. Given enough complaints they will make it work with Linux.
Now you know what Apple's 1984 commercial was really about.
Because Big Brother cares about standards just as much as your favorite software company.
Because Big Brother doesn't know the Internet is comprised of standardized protocols and methods.
Because Big Brother is a dump for losers who can't get a job elsewhere where quality matters.
It would be a piece of cake developing a Java version of a tax application. The reason governments don't is that they since long are filials to Microsoft Corp. Although every government have rules concerning monopolies and want diversity, this doesn't apply to the government itself.
And although the government is screaming about security in personal computing, they still use Windows and Internet Explorer, and expect everybody else to do so too. Their standpoint is that Microsoft should better themselves, not to use the already many existing alternatives, which are all better in most regards.
This is an oxymoron, and it will not change. Because this is Big Brother, and Big Brother is big and slow. Get used to it, and try to get back at the government in other ways. I know I always do.