Posted by: Anonymous Coward
on November 10, 2003 12:02 PM
"Please read the essay again, and notice the reasons he supplies for using Free Software."
With possible exception of saving money (you normally end up paying for support, and no one has done creditable look at the TOC) his reasons are less than compelling (communism comes to mind).
"School should teach students ways of life that will benefit society as a whole."
Supporting the economy benefits society.
"If schools teach students free software, then the students will use free software after they graduate."
That's not necessarly the case. If you get and IT job you'll use what the company provides (while you're on their time).
"Those corporations offer free samples to schools for the same reason tobacco companies distribute free cigarettes: to get children addicted (1). They will not give discounts to these students once they grow up and graduate."
Software isn't addictive like tobacco. Just because I use a demo doesn't mean I am going to buy the full version.
"After that, please notice the complete absence of reasons mentioned for exclusively using anything, let alone depriving anyone of any choices."
Let not forget the title of this article is "Why schools should use exclusively free software". So one is lead to believe his arguments will be to that effect, if not maybe he should have choosen a better, more fitting title.
I would continue but their is limited space and I have other things to do.
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Re:Facile
Posted by: Anonymous Coward on November 10, 2003 12:02 PMWith possible exception of saving money (you normally end up paying for support, and no one has done creditable look at the TOC) his reasons are less than compelling (communism comes to mind).
"School should teach students ways of life that will benefit society as a whole."
Supporting the economy benefits society.
"If schools teach students free software, then the students will use free software after they graduate."
That's not necessarly the case. If you get and IT job you'll use what the company provides (while you're on their time).
"Those corporations offer free samples to schools for the same reason tobacco companies distribute free cigarettes: to get children addicted (1). They will not give discounts to these students once they grow up and graduate."
Software isn't addictive like tobacco. Just because I use a demo doesn't mean I am going to buy the full version.
"After that, please notice the complete absence of reasons mentioned for exclusively using anything, let alone depriving anyone of any choices."
Let not forget the title of this article is
"Why schools should use exclusively free software". So one is lead to believe his arguments will be to that effect, if not maybe he should have choosen a better, more fitting title.
I would continue but their is limited space and I have other things to do.
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