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OSSDI to Distribute OpenOffice.org in Schools
Xampper writes to tell us that the OSSDI (Open Source Software Distribution Initiative) is a new organization that has cropped up to help not only spread the word about Open Source Software, but to help distribute the OpenOffice.org office suite starting with less fortunate school districts. The OSSDI describes their current status as still being in its "infancy as an organization. Because of this, all of our current resources are focused on gaining supporters, raising funds, and recruiting volunteers. Plans are under-way for our first software distribution, but we must first cover our operating costs. We are also interested in becoming a registered not for profit corporation so that donors will receive tax breaks for their gifts, but the registration process can also be very costly and time-consuming."
This reminds me of that initiative American Online used to do where they sent their software to everyone, for free!
Will the package come with the features listed, as well?
"Resembles Office 97, but is much slower and requires a lot more system resources!"
"Teach children effective office skills that will immediately become invalid if they ever get real jobs."
"Confuse aging librarians and unofficial "IT professionals" at elementary schools!"
New Interface, New Standards, New Format! Difference: It's now "standardized"
That doesn't mean anything to people.
Considering most of these schools are running older hardware, I think it would be a better idea for them to just use MS Works or the old Office likely already installed on their computers. If you're going to send something schools, send them something useful. Send them hardware... text books (not patchwork wiki crap) - or maybe sports equipment.
It looks like this initiative has now raised $120! Why is this news?