Comments on: 50 Proprietory tools and their alternatives http://edorigami.edublogs.org/2008/03/01/50-proprietory-tools-and-their-alternatives/ ICT and Education Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:03:19 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.5 By: andrewch http://edorigami.edublogs.org/2008/03/01/50-proprietory-tools-and-their-alternatives/#comment-78 andrewch Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:54:50 +0000 http://edorigami.edublogs.org/2008/03/01/50-proprietory-tools-and-their-alternatives/#comment-78 On the upside, I have heard that Open Office and therefore star office are releasing a patch that allows them to import docX format files. I have seen schools HAVE to buy a copy of 2007 because they are sent files in this format. What a waste of money. With the cost of this purchase you could buy 30 or 40 licenses for Plasq's Comic Life for Mac or PC for a school. Which would have more educational benefits, which would better facilitate learning, which would motivate the students to learn and think? On the upside, I have heard that Open Office and therefore star office are releasing a patch that allows them to import docX format files.

I have seen schools HAVE to buy a copy of 2007 because they are sent files in this format. What a waste of money. With the cost of this purchase you could buy 30 or 40 licenses for Plasq’s Comic Life for Mac or PC for a school. Which would have more educational benefits, which would better facilitate learning, which would motivate the students to learn and think?

]]> By: Richard http://edorigami.edublogs.org/2008/03/01/50-proprietory-tools-and-their-alternatives/#comment-77 Richard Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:23:35 +0000 http://edorigami.edublogs.org/2008/03/01/50-proprietory-tools-and-their-alternatives/#comment-77 Sometimes when I find myself dealing with office 2007 I realise that the docx format could be the death knell for microsoft. Sometimes when I find myself dealing with office 2007 I realise that the docx format could be the death knell for microsoft.

]]> By: wvskphillips http://edorigami.edublogs.org/2008/03/01/50-proprietory-tools-and-their-alternatives/#comment-75 wvskphillips Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:46:01 +0000 http://edorigami.edublogs.org/2008/03/01/50-proprietory-tools-and-their-alternatives/#comment-75 About 5 years ago I had a classroom grant which purchased for me 4 computers. When ordering them we went with Linux OS even though at the time I knew NOTHING about any OS other than Windows. I spent that summer with many "Idiots guides for...." and O'Reilly books for Linux and basic networking. I had a blast learning about it and marveling at how powerful having complete control of these computers and the network was. However, when I needed help - my school system refused to help support it. The only help available to me was online through many Linux communities and the Grantor who lived 6 hours away but helped me through many issues as a newbie via email. Once I had a good handle on the new OS and saw the FREE alternatives to MS based products - I showed them to whoever I could get to sit still. Noone listened. I hope you have better luck. About 5 years ago I had a classroom grant which purchased for me 4 computers. When ordering them we went with Linux OS even though at the time I knew NOTHING about any OS other than Windows. I spent that summer with many “Idiots guides for….” and O’Reilly books for Linux and basic networking. I had a blast learning about it and marveling at how powerful having complete control of these computers and the network was.

However, when I needed help - my school system refused to help support it. The only help available to me was online through many Linux communities and the Grantor who lived 6 hours away but helped me through many issues as a newbie via email.

Once I had a good handle on the new OS and saw the FREE alternatives to MS based products - I showed them to whoever I could get to sit still. Noone listened. I hope you have better luck.

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