All SQA materials I’ve had to work with are Windows, or Microsoft based. Understandable given the products are probably in more use, however, promoting free GNU (General Public License) software gives people the opportunity to be aware there are alternatives out there that cost only a download. Open Office is a prime example. Its a free and comprehensive office package. Perfect for students and home users. Part of any Office Suite education should be the introduction to alternative applications, even if not in depth. I admit that Microsoft Office is in my opinion a better package than Open Office, but not by much. Office 2007 is still new to me so i find it a bit of a hassle to find things still, however, those who are familiar with it (those I’ve talked to about it at any rate) have sung its praises.

What I’m getting at is this. Business users going back into training should have the choice to use the software they use at work (generally MS applications). Home users who may not be happy or able to shell out on expensive software would benefit from training into freely available alternatives. Any tutor who can search the web and understands Office can adapt and instruct with very little difficulty, on similar alternative packages; the concepts are the same.

Can anyone comment on training centers who have also adopted, or fully converted to Linux, or have adopted and promote free software on Windows platforms?

Microsoft would seem to have redeemed itself with Windows 7, but its really too early to say. One thing is for certain, a new OS will always run smoother. Reinstalling XP from scratch after a couple of years gives your PC a new lease of life, so how will Windows 7 fair with the test of time? How many issues has it inherited from Vista? Are training centers going to upgrade to Windows 7 and splash out more valuable cash, or will they think of looking at free alternatives? If the education centers promoted freely available software then, obviously, more people would be using it. Education is about guiding and being guided, not pushing, and not being pushed. Lets stop pushing Microsoft down peoples throats and provide some options. Let your students choose and learn about the alternatives off the tutors, and off each other.

Anyone with comments, please share them.

Have a good Christmas,

Allan.