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Re: [LUG] Kids failing on coursework because of proprietary file formats

 

On 17/06/10 14:01, David wrote:
I find this quite weird. My Son started Lipson Community College and
they encourage the use of open source software. They even recognize
parents can't afford M$ software This is from the parent portal on
helping at home:
_
Office Suite_
The College uses the Microsoft Office suite of programs for word
processing, spreadsheets etc. However, whilst providing plenty of
features, the software is very expensive and not everyone has a copy at
home.
As an alternative, there is a free office suite which is available to
download called OpenOffice, that provides 90% of the features of
Microsoft Office. For those with a fast internet connection (broadband),
the software can be downloaded by visiting http://www.openoffice.org/
and clicking 'I want to download OpenOffice.org'. If you have a slower
connection, the IT technical staff can provide a copy for the cost of
one blank CD.


Can I ask what school it is?

They deserve a pat on the back for breaking the trend. I discussed with my kids school PTA about distributing copies of the Open Disc branded for the school with the profits going to the school (basically I was planning on giving them a customised ISO image, get the kids to do the CD cover and sleve artwork and they could duplicate it themselves). Unfortanately snow and work got in the way and I haven't been back to a PTA meeting snce, although there was some interest in the idea. It's something I'm hoping to persue in readyness for September 2010 (maybe we could get an advertisement in the school newsletter about it).


Both my kids only use Linux at home and have never complained about
needing Windows.

My kids are the same, they use Linux on their PC (well, I say they use it, I need to sort it out properly for them, when it works though they use Ubuntu). They love things like Tuxpaint, it always causes arguments as they both want to use the PC at the same time. I'm half tempted to put a second PC in for them.

Rob

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