Andrew Dorrell wrote:
...snip...
> Similarly I think you missed Simon's point (sorry...) The staff most
> likely didn't know or understand what Rachel had set up for them.
Most school teachers don't know anything about computers - full stop.
At best they know how to use a few programs, but only after someone
shows them.
> Because teachers are stretched to keep up with things they only get
> around to thinking in terms of named packages rather than services. NT
> is one of those named packages. Add to that the fact that DET is
> pushing schools (gently) towards PC (and consequently windows) centric
> networks, with free MicroSoft software for all, and you start to see the
> picture.
Any teacher doing the accounts knows that Microsoft is costing the
schools and isn't free. NT isn't being pushed gently. It is full on
FUD and DUD. Basically the suppliers know they will have to improve
their ball game greatly if linux gets inm, so aided by the dept they
are laying FUD on thick and fast.
The training they receive is not designed to do anything more than
show them how to use the MS programs. It has no technology
understanding component at all.
The only reason I made my second offer of assistance to the school was
the ear bashing I was getting about computer problems that the new
management at the school was having. I thought they might be fed up
enough to look at the big picture. It turned out they were not, so I'm
quite happy to let them continue to stew until they are motivated to
look elsewhere.
This procedure works well with converting people to linux - just let
them stew under the MS stuff and eventually they will be prepared to
try something else. It shocked us at PCIT 99 that people where not
after linux as such, but an alternative to MS stuff.
> It
> takes either a very brave or confidently well informed school to take
> the "non-standard" route as you can be sure there will be a few parents
> that know enough to be dangerous - and have attitudes and opinons to
> match!
Well, it is a stupid teacher that lets parents dictate what happens at
school. Most of their problems come from interferring politicians.
There is only two things it takes to be a parent and being a parent
just guarantees you are one or the other, nothing more.
"Why does he need to know how to read or write? He can break horses
like his father does." - said by one of the "parents" at the school.
--
Terry Collins {:-)}}} Ph(02) 4627 2186 Fax(02) 4628 7861
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] www: http://www.woa.com.au
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WOA Computer Services <lan/wan, linux/unix, novell>
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