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List:       suse-linux-uk-schools
Subject:    RE: [suse-linux-uk-schools] NHS Meeting, Blair and Gates
From:       "Jonathan Bacon" <j.bacon () delta ! wlv ! ac ! uk>
Date:       2001-12-04 13:12:14
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> -----Original Message-----
> They have been found to have broken the law, including
> abuse of monoploy position more than once. But the most
> powerful government in the world (which is quite happy
> to exterminate the governments of nations they don't
> like) appears utterly powerless in this situation.

OK...firstly...yes they *have* been a monopolising company, and
secondly, the actions of the USA in Arghanistan are off topic.

> An organisation which can repeatedly put 2 fingers
> up to a US federal court and get told "we'll tell
> you to be nice for 5 years and if you don't we'll
> tell you for 7 years". IMHO isn't too far off
> ruling the world.

Ruling the world? I think not...

> > - they have such a monopoly through tough business 
> practices and also
> 
> There are "tough business practices" and there is 
> breaking the law. (Also when a business uses the
> business practices of a gangster shouldn't it be
> treated the same way as a business set up bg gangsters?)

I dont think they use the practices of a gangster. Unfair
competition...yes...mowing down people with guns and torturing your
enemies...no.

> > (believe it or not) through some decent products.
> 
> Which products do you think are good, why do you think
> they are good? Also do you still think they are good
> for the environment of a school.

I think MS Office is a good suite. It is well designed, works fairly
well and gets kids using computers at an early age with a simple
interface. IMHO kids need something that is simple to use and works as
they expect it, and Office is pretty much this way. Also...most other
office suites have pretty much replicated the interface (which is good
IMHO). Yes it is expensive and yes it is closed and yes it is
proprietary, but I am looking at the interface and the featureset here.

> Lots of flaws does not necessarily imply "not viable".
> It's more a question of can the "flaws" be addressed,
> IME changing how open source software works is far
> easier than with closed source.

Lots of flaws for a Linux developer/advocate = viable
Lots of flaws for a Linux newbie = not viable

Like anything in life, there are varying levels of positive and
negative. Microsoft does have its good points, and it does its bad
points. Also, it is not like they are the only comptetitor out there for
us.

Cheers,

	Jono


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