How Microsoft Beats GNU/Linux In Schools 476
twitter writes "Ever wonder why schools still use Windows? Boycott Novell has extracted the details from 2002 Microsoft email presented in the Comes vrs Microsoft case and other leaks. What emerges is Microsoft's desperate battle to 'never lose to Linux.' At stake for Microsoft is more than a billion dollars of annual revenue, vital user conditioning and governmental lock in that excludes competition, and software freedom for the rest of us. Education and Government Incentives [EDGI] and "Microsoft Unlimited Potential" are programs that allows vendors to sell Windows at zero cost. Microsoft's nightmare scenario has already been realized in Indiana and other places. Windows is not really competitive and schools that switch save tens of millions of dollars. Because software is about as expensive as the hardware in these deals, the world could save up to $500 million each year by dumping Microsoft. Now that the cat is out of the bag, it's hard to see what Microsoft can do other than what they did to Peter Quinn."
Product dumping (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Product dumping (Score:5, Interesting)
It's not dumping if the competition (Linux) is free. They are not going to put Linux out of bussiness by undercutting linux's profit margin. It might be possible they are however dumping with regard to software support (red hat, IBM, Novell, ...) But I think this would be hard to argue succesfully.
Even the memos from MS state MS cannot and will not compete soley on the basis of price.
The thing is their products are agile in price since they have high fixed costs and low marginal costs. Airlines are classic example of this. Airlines try to create price structures (e.g. saturday stays, advance purchase, limited kinds of seats, luggage limits,... ) so that they integrate the area under the demand curve.
Far from being unfair this is actually socially ideal. In the ideal limit people pay for something exactly what it is worth. depsite the fact that some folks pay more than others, over all nearly everyone, including the people paying the higher price, are paying LESS than they would have to pay if it was sold for a fixed price, because of the increased demand lowers the per capitia fixed costs.
I also question broad statements like " Windows is not really competitive and schools that switch save tens of millions of dollars.". Anecdotally maybe this is has happened. But it's not really clear that this is true in general. School systems are one of the most budget limited govt run orgs. They try everything to shave dollars, like fees for art supplies, to hot lunches paid for by PTO fund raisers. I find it hard to believe the schools would somehow be so blind as to over look an easy "tens of millions" if the case was clear cut.
" Windows is not really competitive and schools that switch save tens of millions of dollars. "
Re:Or ... it could be that MS gives it away! (Score:3, Interesting)
A couple or so years ago, I asked a university lecturer why they used so much MS software, when the obviously had knowledge of Linux and Unix -- the reply was something like "we get it free" (or perhaps "almost free").
In this case, it is free as in beer trumping free as in speech.
Key applications (Score:5, Interesting)
We are making progress though. The school switched to Open Office this year for all but the business lab. I am working with the business lab teachers to get them familiar with Open Office so they can make an informed decision about what software to use in the future.
Re:Apps! (Score:4, Interesting)
It would be incredibly interesting if some people with more experience of school education software could put together a top 10 or top 20 list of common applications which are used throughout the country.
I'm sure the majority of them aren't very complex apps, and the learning material could be easily put together (perhaps with bounties for completing modules, it'd be a nice alternative source of income for teachers).
Anyway, with the goals in hand the problem of "Most educational software is poorly written for Windows." shouldn't be an issue, it's hard for me to write educational software because I don't have kids or experience teaching them... but with the right organisation I'd be happy to oblige.
Re:Or (Score:5, Interesting)
Fact is, most of the time, all they use is a Word Processor and a Web Browser. Occasionally using presentation software, and maybe some spreadsheeting and database software. Have a guess what most of the staff are used to; and how much trouble they have with MS Access for teaching GCSE. Serious problems come up with the less experienced staff just with Microsoft's software. Now imagine trying to suggest using something new.
There's no reason they couldn't use Linux aside from the installation and support; switching from OpenOffice to Microsoft Office really isn't much different than going from Windows to Mac. I finally managed to convince them to have a couple of Ubuntu machines that the students had no problems with using, I wanted the students to have an experience of all operating systems; surely that's the idea of being at a school? Experiencing as much as possible? Most of the staff wouldn't even try. Some would, but most wouldn't. Some even wanted Windows 95 back.
Microsoft configuration just isn't cut out to be used in schools, it's hard to tie down the operating system as much as the staff really want it, Linux would be a god-send, but I can't see it happening any time soon. It'd save a lot of money and effort overall, and a lot of time if the staff were able, and the governors were willing. Most IT Techs aren't even trained and get the job because they know someone on the inside; or like me; proved themselves when they worked there. Not for the will of trying to change, but getting a school to do anything is damn near impossible.
Oh, the reason I left? The pay and conditions were terrible; most things just weren't working right, security was a joke, almost daily re-installs in some of the rooms, and no-one was interested in doing anything about it.
Re:Dumping. (Score:2, Interesting)
Couldn't be that this is the tool (I repeat, the TOOL, not the religion) that is, for good or bad, the defacto standard out there in the real world? Couldn't be a good think that you are preparing your students to use the tools (I repeat, not the religion) that could help them to face the real world market?
Sure, it could be a cool think to get Basquian language to be obligatory for all schools in Sweden, but I think (and correct me if I'm wrong) that students would be more happy having a good English language education, just for their future sake. Basquian? Sure, be my guest, get a book and learn.
Re:Product dumping (Score:4, Interesting)
Great post, but I have to challenge this statement:
are paying LESS than they would have to pay if it was sold for a fixed price, because of the increased demand lowers the per capitia fixed costs.
No. Companies maximize profit by charging the maximum price a consumer tier will permit. It has nothing to do with saving anyone any money. The increased demand lowering fixed costs is a separate matter that also holds true, but companies simply bank on the lowered fixed costs, and do not pass it on to consumers. They may say so, but the only time companies are supposed to lower prices is when they need to be more competitive. Of course, when they raise prices they love to put it on increased costs, but we all know from the oil companies that in their case the increase in oil prices was directly proportional to their obscene level of profits.
No one should second guess the intents of any large corporation. They are required to squeeze every dime out of the consumer. The economy is built around this behavior. If a private company is charging less than it can, they are a great M&A opportunity. If it is a public company, the shareholders would not allow it. It is only a matter of time until prices are adjusted to their maximums.
Re:Product dumping (Score:5, Interesting)
It's not dumping if the competition (Linux) is free.
Last I saw, Linux wasn't free, RedHat, Novell and Canonical all sell it (plus assorted support and licensing offerings) for quite a sum. Therefore, this dumping is illegal. surely?
plus, Macs certainly aren't free, and they're also part Microsoft's of the competition.
Re:Teachers (Score:3, Interesting)
I've got a baseless and unsupportable hypothesis (based on my lack of personal experience and lack of research) that teachers are afraid of technology, because their students know it better than them. And as a result, students are not getting the exposure to tech they need.
So really, how good is computer literacy in teachers today? Even for something as basic as Windows? (I remember in high school, my Spanish teacher was so afraid of the VCR, he didn't want any of us to touch it, not because we were vandals, but because he didn't know how to work it, and probably assumed the same of us)
Re:let's do lunch (Score:5, Interesting)
because MS have more experience of wining and dining (and bribing) than generally less dishonest Linux companies?
I wouldn't impute any dishonesty to these sales people. Generally speaking, it's not necessary to be dishonest in order to win.
I suspect that most people's conception of the way things work in government (and education in particular) is altogether too jaded. Many people working in education policy do so out of interest and generally show a degree of commitment to the principles of learning and development.
That doesn't mean they're necessarily brilliant, insightful or even competent. Some are, some aren't. But the vast majority of them make decisions in what they consider to be the best interests of the young people under their care.
The folks at Microsoft are smart, organised and effective. The links in the summary documents show that they've got a clear game plan, and the tables attached indicate that they were executing well on it.
Compare that to the work done by FOSS organisations. With the exception of IBM, there's hardly anyone who has established contacts in Education. FOSS is typically touted by mid-level technical folks who have expertise in their field but little political experience. They almost certainly don't have the resources, the planning or the operational intelligence to keep pace with Microsoft.
Add to this the fact that Microsoft is the incumbent, and you'll see that they've got the advantage in almost every respect: resources, position, momentum and intelligence.
Microsoft's played dirty in the past, and they likely will again in the future. I'm only suggesting that it's not necessary to play that way every time.
The corrupt practice in this particular case is dumping, and that decision is being made at the corporate level. While corruption taints everyone who participates in it, that doesn't mean they are suddenly guilty of every manifestation of it all at once.
Re:Product dumping (Score:3, Interesting)
It's not dumping if the competition (Linux) is free.
Last I saw, Linux wasn't free, RedHat, Novell and Canonical all sell it (plus assorted support and licensing offerings) for quite a sum.
No kidding. At the university I went to the linux lab with Red Hat cost more to license than an equivalent sized XP installed lab.
Granted the linux lab was licensed as workstation installs (more expensive, but desktop didn't allow multiple users remoting in) and the windows labs were desktop install so we're not comparing apples to apples (and I vaguely remember there was some weirdness with the RedHat licensing for education that made them jump up one level further, missing options for education licensing as opposed to commercial). Still, one would assume the linux licensing would have a slight edge regardless of the install type.
WSUS (Score:1, Interesting)
Re:Apps! (Score:5, Interesting)
During college, I worked as IT support for an association of special education preschools. While I did get them to adopt OpenOffice, I immediately realized that I couldn't even recommend switching to Linux, because essential programs weren't supported.
One program that comes to mind is Boardmaker, by Mayer-Johnson. It's an extremely popular tool for helping autistic children, and not a complex program at all. It wouldn't be hard for open-source devs to replicate, but there is just no interest among developers. Unfortunately, without it, few special ed teachers will ever consider using Linux.
There is certainly demand for a free alternative as well - in part because of Boardmaker's $400/license price tag. Searching for "Boardmaker linux" or something of the sort reveals that people have asked for it, but gone unanswered. Perhaps the saddest request is this:
"My 11 year old son has autism and his a communication therapist has recommended Boardmaker by Nova logistics to help him communicate. He has had a great affinity for computers since he was 4 years old. He has a Pentium III 1Ghz powered Intel D815eea computer which I built for him.
Boardmaker sells for over $500 and we live on low, fixed income. I have been told that there may be an equivalent, Linux based program. If so, can you tell me what it is and where I can get it? Thanks for your help."
There were no responses.
Re:Or (Score:2, Interesting)
I was the sysadmin for an elementary school for one year, then the same for a high school [my alma mater] for 3 years. I ran away because of office politics so severe I could barely do my job. The terrible pay and work conditions didn't help either.
As my final year came to close in spring 2007, my plans for the next year were for the lowest PC in wide use school-wide to be a P4/1.6 with 256 MB RAM, with a smattering of Celerons 1.7, 1.2, and 433 with 128 MB RAM--more than enough for Ubuntu 6.06, the latest LTS at the time.
I thought about converting the whole school to Linux all the damn time. Aside from the political side of it ("This isn't the Microsoft computer I had last year!"), I thought of the F/OSS equivalents to EVERYTHING I was using. Several were easy, but several were not...
Windows 2000 or XP Professional -> Ubuntu LTS
Office 2000 or XP -> OpenOffice.Org
MSIE -> Firefox
TN3270 -> plenty of options
Windows 2000 Server or Server 2003 -> Ubuntu LTS server
Altiris Deployment Solution -> ADS can deploy Linux images and deb/rpm packages, but is not itself F/OSS--and it requires a Windows server. Is there a F/OSS solution out there that can install a small partition similar to WinPE, boot to it, and image--all without having to physically visit the computer to insert a boot volume?
IIS -> Apache
SharePoint -> ???
Exchange server/Outlook -> ???/Evolution
AutoCAD [drafting] -> ???
Genesis School -> A "master database" for student records, class scheduling, attendance, grading, gradebooks, and Web-based frontends to allow administrators to create reports, teachers to do attendance and grading for their students, and students/parents to check their gradebook rows. Moodle?
AsureID Express -> Link to an SQL server holding students' and employees' names, numbers, and pictures--or import pics from a USB camera, and make cards that can be printed with a plastic-card printer.
I've found http://www.osalt.com/ [osalt.com], but finding F/OSS alternatives to these situations isn't exactly easy...
Re:Teachers (Score:5, Interesting)
My sister's BF uses linux a lot now, since I pointed him to it. My sister also uses it a lot. As does my mom, who now, instead bitching about her "computer" bitches specifically about Microsoft. The linux side of her dual-boot gets nothing but praise.
In any school, 80% of the teachers don't really know how to use a computer. They really are novices. In this case, there is NO difference between Linux and Windows. They probably wouldn't notice a difference if you swapped out their Windows machine for a KDE machine. (Gnome is enough different that they might notice. MIGHT notice..)
Flashaback to my mom's computer. My sister (Windows-only librarian) wanted to steal some of mom's Christmas CDs. I suggested she infringe on the copyrights by making a copy. (She's got both eyes, and both legs, so I couldn't suggest piracy.) She booted into Kubuntu, popped the CD into one drive, a blank into the second, found K3b, and burned herself a couple of CDs.
If she can do that, with 0 assistance, I'm confident that most teachers could use linux as well as windows. But why does EVERY school run windows?
It's a combination of a few factors.
1) The Admins know that Windows runs on 80+% of the computers in the world, and have used it exclusively.
2) A technology grant (in my State, a lawsuit against MS got it for us) buys both the hardware AND gets free MS software with it.
3) One essential piece of software (Gradequick, in my case) runs on Windows only.
I talk to my head tech guy often about different flavors of linux, and our collective playing around with it. He's not ignorant. But when a settlement from MS pays for all the hardware AND software for our school, why would he reformat it to run linux? It would be incompatable with a few major applications, and a major pain in the ass, as we'd then be running two operating systems. For a small tech staff, with limited resources, homogeneity is a necessity. (But he's still made sure that my linux laptop can connect to the wireless.)
Re:Product dumping (Score:3, Interesting)
I would say its not hard to believe that market use of Linux/BSD on the desktop rival this at least.
I would.
Honestly I am not sure how people are counting number of Linux/BSD desktop/laptop users since there is no license to buy.
The current favored method is tracking web users across large collections of websites through cookies and the browser's User Agent.
Linux has <1% marketshare [hitslink.com] and declining (enable javascript for hitslink if you use NoScript)
Of course, this metric is skewed somewhat by the fact that Firefox users can fake their user agent [mozilla.org] (for sites like fafsa.ed.gov, for instance)
...then go using one copy of a download to install numerous times/instances.
Is that so very different from your average XP install?
According to the Apple site, a copy of Leopard costs $129.
To be pedantic, that is supposed to be an upgrade disc.
Re:Every Christian already knows the answer... (Score:2, Interesting)
I know you're trying to make the comparison between religion == linux adoption.
However I'll repeat what a guy from the Ubuntu LUG in Thailand said, "If you really like something, then you want it to succeed".
It's less to do with converting people to be open source fanatics then it is just showing people this cool stuff you like.
Re:Teachers (Score:3, Interesting)
The lack of awareness about computing is more of a general problem, though it is particularly noticeable with schools. I have drawn the conclusion recently that anyone majoring in any subject that is likely to involve computing -- basically, any science, engineering, or business major -- should be required to take a CS course where they use a Unix or Unix-like system and program in a language like Python or Perl. Just being raised to a basic level of awareness of how a computer can be used would be invaluable for many people, and would go much further in terms of saving money and increasing productivity than simply install some Linux on everyone's computers.
Re:Product dumping (Score:5, Interesting)
I used to work at a small college. They didn't teach classes in Office applications, they taught classes in Office 2007. They taught intro to MS Word. The teachers, (who attended all sorts of MS training for free) didn't think there was a difference. They got PISSED when I suggested to students that couldn't afford office to try openoffice. MS gave our entire campus all the software we needed for less money than we gave the local bus service so students could ride the city bus at a heavy discount. This was at a 2 year college that had more technology per capita than most schools in the state. Hell, our main "Operating systems" class covered Windows 2003, 2000, and XP. The teacher got upset when the students came to me (I was network admin) and asked for Linux, so I handed them Ubuntu's live cd's... Why would we want to use something that's free, when we get to use something so valuable, for free. they thought MS was obviously a better value!
Re:Or (Score:3, Interesting)
In actuality, Microsoft gained its monopoly using questionably dubious, but well documented, business tactics
In reality, much of the Windows is from white box computers. Computers on a budget, a pirated copy of an OS, and lots of free downloadable applications, plus an open interface.
Macs were sealed boxes with the OS pre installed for the most part with little 3rd party hardware support.
When the PC clones were all the rage, they could run Windows, but not Mac software. This is where the PC and the Windows culture outgrew the Mac. Weak copy protection on Windows and DOS were a huge reason for the growth of the OS as the system of choice.
Now that Microsoft is reigning in on Piracy and naked PC's are not as common as pre-built boxes are cheap, many machines are migrating to alternatives as Windows now has relibility and dependability issues for pirated copies.
I stopped using Windows at home on home built stuff for this very reason. I no longer transplant the old OS to the new box when faster hardware comes out. I use Ubuntu instead. MS shot them selves in the foot when you could no longer transplant the OS from the old box to the new one without phoning home and begging. It's much easier to simply install Ubuntu.
Re:Or (Score:2, Interesting)
Of course the original Mac had no hard drive, no mass market oriented computer did in 1984. Heck, even in 1986 the most common MS/DOS PC configuration was 256KB of RAM and two 360KB floppies because hard disks were too expensive for many users. Hard disks didn't become common till the cheap horde of cheap AT clones showed up, say around 87-88 and then only in businesses.
Re:Teachers (Score:5, Interesting)
I've got a baseless and unsupportable hypothesis (based on my lack of personal experience and lack of research) that teachers are afraid of technology, because their students know it better than them. And as a result, students are not getting the exposure to tech they need.
my personal experience would support your hypothesis.
back in my high school days (nearly 10 years ago now) I took a lot of 'computers' classes, because i wanted to learn about computers. but, i didn't. instead, I learned how to use things like 'corel word perfect', some power point clone, and 'turing' a programming language so limiting, it makes BASIC seem like C by comparison.
rather than learning about building computers and general computing concepts, i was taught how to use specific and now obsolete software. those courses and that knowledge are now useless to me.
how clueless were the teachers?
this was back in 1999, so not knowing about linux was still forgivable, but the misinformation i received, was not.
over the course of 3 years and 3 different computers classes, these are the highlights:
On a test, this question came up:
how many companies sell differing operating systems:
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. more than 3.
apparently, the correct answer was b, not d. silly me...
i got 150% for participation, because i taught the teacher how to use computers before she could teach the class.
i got kicked out of class for playing computer games. but the assignment was 'to write your own computer game' and i was testing my own game! she refused to believe it was mine, even after going through my code line by line.
and finally, i got suspended for 'hacking'. some random 'error' dialogues were popping up on every system every hour or so, and i disabled them on my computer.
My experience shows me that you are correct. most teachers do not understand the technology that the students are growing up with.
last year, when booting up my laptop for one of my lessons, one of my students saw my ubuntu desktop and yelled out 'that's my system, too!'
Linux for the blind (Score:3, Interesting)
I have not heard of a program for autistic children, but Klaus Knopper, one of the popular Linux engineers over here in Germany (if not the most popular for Knoppix) works on Linux for blind people. His wife is blind. There might be more Linux people out there that are handicapped themsleves or have close relatives that are. That can be a very high incentive to create useful tools.