Re: [K12OSN] is it really free?

[anthony baldwin <anthonybaldwin snet net>]

Petre Scheie wrote:
> It's rather like the line about getting a free puppy: it's free, but the 
> upkeep and maintenance won't be.  

Right on.

Ironically, this is usually used by MS
> and other proprietary vendors trying to discredit OSS.  I guess in their 
> minds it's better for people to pay for the puppy *and* for the 
> maintenance, instead of just the maintenance.  With the 'free' MS offer, 
> you might not pay them now, but you will pay them later, one way or 
> another: you'll eventually have to keep track of licensing, both for the 
> OSs and the apps, which will take a lot of time (=$);

My feeling is that as soon as their license comes up for renewal, we 
install Linux!

 you'll end up with
> data files that can only be read by the proprietary apps so you're 
> locked into them; 

Wait, I'm too smart for that.  Remember, I've been on this list for two 
years.  I'm a linux guy, now.

migrating away will be more difficult; the MS model is
> based on everyone having a full-bore machine, which is sort of like 
> everyone having their own nuclear power plant in the back yard--it's a 
> wasteful way of distributing resources.

Agreed, but once thier license runs out, I rip the hard drives out, 
convert their machines to terminals and build the LTSP, or simply 
install Linux on the machines, right?

> I like Doug's idea: take the hardware, get rid of the software.

Yeah.

> Petre
>
> Doug Simpson wrote:
>
> > It may be 'free' to obtain, but from what I gather and suspect  (and 
> > know) it will not end up being 'free' when the fat lady sings!

This is what I believe, too.  But it would be free NOW, and whose to say 
that I couldn't install linux later on this hardware.  Presently I have 
nothing but one eMac in my classroom.

> > That is one problem (feature from M$'t view) with the Gates Foundation 
> > giving 'free' computers and software.  The schoolsare happy to get the 
> > 'free' stuff, but then it ends up costing them to keep it.  M$ doesn't 
> > give *anything* for 'free".
> >
> > If they want to give you computers, then by all means, let them!  But, 
> > just because they give you computers, doesn't mean you are required to 
> > run M$ software on them.  Even if they 'give' you the software. . .

Are you sure?  I fear that their "gift" would come with some kind of 
licensing agreement precluding my installation of Linux on their hardware.

> > If you wish to run open-source in your lab, then do it!
> >
> > Your friend doesn't have to know you didn't keep M$ software, only 
> > that the kids like their computers. It's a don't ask-don't tell 
> > thing.  If someday he chooses to come look, then so be it, you already 
> > have the computers, and they are being used for the purposes 
> > expected.  If youe friend is a true friend, he will understand that 
> > your decision to use better (hmmm.. . maybe another word would work 
> > here. . .) software is purely your's.
> >
> > DS

  I don't suppose it hurts to look into it, but, you must see my 
dilemna.  I have no money to even build a server and terminals for the 
LTSP project I wan to build.  I know that building an LTSP would so much 
cheaper than builiding a proprietary lab, but here is my friend with 
pull at MS offering to help me get MS solutions for "free" *cough cough*.
I believe I am aware of the potential pitfalls.  I would much rather 
give my children exposure to OSS and all of it's wonderful benefits.
It's a real dilemna.  Can I take their "gift" hardware and fix it 
properly with OSS?  I don't know.  How much follow-up will MS do for 
such a project?

My real goal is to provide students with access to technology, since my 
purpose is ultimately their education, not idealogical OS wars (as much 
as I advocate for OSS.)
I would feel like a big hypocrite seeking support from MS and the Gates 
Foundation when my whole site advocates for OSS.  But I really, really 
need to find solutions to provide my children with better access to 
technology and MS offers to help.

What to do?

I'm certainly not going to change my position on OSS vs. proprietary 
software, not in this lifetime.

--
Anthony Baldwin

http://www.School-Library.net
Freedom to Learn!