Why not just reformat so it is compatible? Even if it takes some time, I
would think the labor cost would be far less than the cost of spreading more
M$ throughout the building... Plus you will need to re-invest in another few
years when M$ makes it's next change.

E



on 11/30/09 12:12 PM, Bill Clark wrote:

> The open source think is a worthy goal... we tried this with Open Office,
> installing it on all the library, classroom and dorm computers. It does a
> remarkable job.
> 
> Unfortunately, because of the highly formatted, office2007 IEP form, there
> appear to be some compatibility issues (nothing MAJOR, but they exist, and
> have some folks frustrated...)
> 
> I think we are headed to an all-microsoft office platform, for $70 per
> computer.
> 
> Maybe I will ask to cash in the Symantec software renewal (replace with
> Security Essentials) for Microsoft Office licenses.
> 
> Bill Clark
> Austine School
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: School Information Technology Discussion
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Eric Hall
> Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 9:48 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Free Antivirus ...
> 
> Of ALL people, I believe it is our responsibility as technology leaders to
> model appropriate use of licensed software, including the use of home-use
> shareware on our networks. I have spent years working with staff members who
> feel as if "it's for education, so it ought to be free," and asking me to
> buy software for their home computers. Ditto for software (Inspiration) that
> we do not own for all computers: "why can't you just put it on all of my
> computers?" or "Isn't it all site-licensed?"
> 
> For this and other reasons we continue to seek open-source alternatives so
> that it really IS free for everyone!
> 
> OH - we do continue to buy in to Symantec EPP, which (despite the load) has
> worked well for us. After the initial purchase, the renewal cost is
> reasonable.
> 
> Eric
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> on 11/30/09 8:02 AM, Dave Tisdell wrote:
> 
>> Hi Bryan,
>>  
>> I was responding to this quote from Rick's post
>> " This is education and
>> dare I say, especially now, cutting corners might be defensible.
>> I would suggest that Peter might want to comment on the State's
>> attitude regarding "free" vs paid for software use in education. How
>> does VT stand on "breaking the rules" software wise? Someone has to
>> set the standard/lay down the rules. A "position paper" on software
>> use/licences would be valuable to the troops who might have to
>> confront administration with potential "true costs" in terms of tech
>> infrastructure."
>>  
>> Dave
>>  
>> 
>> This e-mail may contain information protected under the Family Educational
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>> 
>>>>> Bryan Thompson <[log in to unmask]> 11/29/2009 6:16 PM >>>
>> This is education and
>> dare I say, especially now, cutting corners might be defensible.
>> I would suggest that Peter might want to comment on the State's
>> attitude regarding "free" vs paid for software use in education. How
>> does VT stand on "breaking the rules" software wise? Someone has to
>> set the standard/lay down the rules. A "position paper" on software
>> use/licences would be valuable to the troops who might have to
>> confront administration with potential "true costs" in terms of tech
>> infrastructure.
> 
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> 

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is
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prohibited. If you are not an intended recipient, please contact the sender
by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the message.