Re: [K12OSN] is it really free?

[anthony baldwin <anthonybaldwin snet net>]

Terrell Prude', Jr. wrote:
> anthony baldwin wrote:
>
> >   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?
> >   
>
>
> Suggestion.  Accept the gift, if offered, with profuse thanks.  If asked 
> to be a showcase for what the Gates Foundation (I'm being very specific 
> here; I mean "The Gates Foundation", not "Microsoft Corporation") can 
> do, then tell him, sure!  Then, install K12LTSP on it.  If he comes by 
> to see it and sees K12LTSP, show him the lab with pride.  Show him all 
> of what it can do.  If he asks why Windows isn't running on it, just 
> tell him that Windows "just didn't work out for this application as well 
> as this has."  Tell your friend the truth, which this is, and then show 
> him the functionality that you have with K12LTSP.  If he's really your 
> friend, he'll think of your kids before he thinks of Microsoft's future 
> wallet-fattening.
>
> If the gift comes with a legal lock-in for running Windows on it, then 
> very graciously decline.  How to do so:  "Boy, I sure do appreciate your 
> willingness to help out.  But I'm scared of this legalese bit from 
> Microsoft.  If only they'd get rid of that part, I'd jump all over 
> this!"  Blame it (rightly!) on Microsoft, and shift any perception of 
> blame from your friend.
>
> --TP
Dear Mr. Baldwin:

Thank you for contacting the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

While we appreciate the value of your request, the Education program is 
not accepting unsolicited proposals at this time. You may wish to look 
at www.techsoup.org for non-profit technology information.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is working to improve high school 
graduation and college attendance rates for low-income and underserved 
students. In pursuit of this goal, the Education program supports the 
redesign of large, struggling schools as well as the creation of new, 
small high schools to develop smaller, more personalized learning 
communities. In addition, the foundation has created scholarship 
programs that reduce financial barriers to higher education for 
low-income students.

For more information about the Education program you may wish to visit 
www.gatesfoundation.org/education.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Jones
Grants Inquiry Administrator
--
Anthony Baldwin

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