Gaming Windows 7 in schools?

[purplesludge]

I'm not saying that doesn't happen, I'm saying it's not automatic/universal (like dreamspark).

That's true.

 

[RE4zombie]

A better question would be why haven't schools adopted Ubuntu. It's free, easy to use, has less security problems. Essentially the same functions as Windows without having to pay.

 

[_Chaz_]

I have a question:

Who cares?

 

[purplesludge]

A better question would be why haven't schools adopted Ubuntu. It's free, easy to use, has less security problems. Essentially the same functions as Windows without having to pay.

Because a lot of software is Windows or OSX only.

 

[Rydian]

A better question would be why haven't schools adopted Ubuntu. It's free, easy to use, has less security problems. Essentially the same functions as Windows without having to pay.

Funny, part of what I had to do for a class last week was answer this question.

What factors do you think may be keeping professional organizations from implementing Linux on a large scale?
It all boils down to money in one way or another.

While linux itself can be had for free, you'd still need support, which isn't free. In corporate environments you may need the software you're using patched or modified in some way, and that's going to cost as usual. The initial cost may be free, but there's still upkeep, so it's not like switching to linux would eliminate software costs.

There's also the matter of re-training your current staff, which is going to cost time and money (especially with how dead-set in their ways people used to only one instance of one platform can be).

Microsoft is also good at trying to keep people who used their products from moving to other products, for example it's office suite uses docx and it's related formats as the default, which for a time couldn't be read (let alone edited) in non-Microsoft programs. While Microsoft has claimed they made a new format to push for standards, it was an obvious lie as only one version of their new format has been accepted by the ISO (29500), and it's not the version their 2007 products actually saved in. It wasn't until 2010 that they started actually using the ISO-accepted format, but by then most other third-party products (such as Abiword and Open Office) had worked out how to edit their files. If there's this kind of issue with some word documents, you can imagine the hassle of trying to move from a windows-controlled server environment to linux.

 

[DeMoN]

From my experience, the schools I've went to all used Macs. They're actually more expensive, but much easier and cheaper to maintain because they don't have to worry about viruses.

 

[_Chaz_]

From my experience, the schools I've went to all used Macs. They're actually more expensive, but much easier and cheaper to maintain because they don't have to worry about viruses.

Neither do PCs if you're not retarded.

EDIT: I forgot we were talking about schools. Now I feel bad for bringing their disorder to attention.

 

[Snailface]

Reason 1. Cost. Why spend a fortune upgrading an OS when the one you have is working just fine? This is especially true in a down economy when tax dollars are scarce. Teacher Salaries > Fancy Graphics.

2. Training and other set-up headaches. Transition headaches like training take away from class time.

 

[Necoconeco]

Why should someone stop using an operating system because there are no more updates or service packs?

When I install a fresh copy of Win7 or Vista or XP, I often just skip the tedious update parts because they don't really benefit me.

If I was in charge of a school. I could save alot of my budget by not spending money on new computers or operating systems.

 

[_Chaz_]

Reason 1. Cost. Why spend a fortune upgrading an OS when the one you have is working just fine? This is especially true in a down economy when tax dollars are scarce. Teacher Salaries > Fancy Graphics.

2. Training and other set-up headaches. Transition headaches like training take away from class time.

Have you seen the way teachers treat their salaries?
They're not exactly the worst off, yet they complain and whine for more money.

 

[trumpet-205]

For school computer, Windows XP is sufficient. It is cheap and gets the job done.

Heck, my community college still uses Windows 2000 on their brand new computer.

 

[RE4zombie]

A better question would be why haven't schools adopted Ubuntu. It's free, easy to use, has less security problems. Essentially the same functions as Windows without having to pay.

Funny, part of what I had to do for a class last week was answer this question.

What factors do you think may be keeping professional organizations from implementing Linux on a large scale?
It all boils down to money in one way or another.

While linux itself can be had for free, you'd still need support, which isn't free. In corporate environments you may need the software you're using patched or modified in some way, and that's going to cost as usual. The initial cost may be free, but there's still upkeep, so it's not like switching to linux would eliminate software costs.

There's also the matter of re-training your current staff, which is going to cost time and money (especially with how dead-set in their ways people used to only one instance of one platform can be).

Microsoft is also good at trying to keep people who used their products from moving to other products, for example it's office suite uses docx and it's related formats as the default, which for a time couldn't be read (let alone edited) in non-Microsoft programs. While Microsoft has claimed they made a new format to push for standards, it was an obvious lie as only one version of their new format has been accepted by the ISO (29500), and it's not the version their 2007 products actually saved in. It wasn't until 2010 that they started actually using the ISO-accepted format, but by then most other third-party products (such as Abiword and Open Office) had worked out how to edit their files. If there's this kind of issue with some word documents, you can imagine the hassle of trying to move from a windows-controlled server environment to linux.

You're probably right. I think it could only work if the school system was brand new. Then they wouldn't have the hassle of moving all the files, etc. And since MS Windows is so widespread, you would need to adapt. But I think that kids can be flexible with different OS's much more so than adults. They are after all, more tech savvy. VirtualBox and a pirated copy of Windows could also be run in that environment, so you could get the best of both worlds in terms of software development, with it still being free.

 

[Rydian]

Why should someone stop using an operating system because there are no more updates or service packs?

When I install a fresh copy of Win7 or Vista or XP, I often just skip the tedious update parts because they don't really benefit me.

If I was in charge of a school. I could save alot of my budget by not spending money on new computers or operating systems.

You're an idiot, and I'm going to have to ask you not to give anybody computer advice until you learn better.

Now, normally when I see people making mistakes I'm inclined to explain why I say "wrong", but this is just so obviously stupid to anybody that knows the first damn thing about computer security (or their use in our current society) that I'm just going to insult you and leave it at that.

 

[shamiko_]

Price,
if it is too expensive, then at least save those ict vouchers from tescos so that you can afford 100 licenses or so..

QUOTE(Snailface @ Nov 5 2010, 08:28 PM) Reason 1. Cost. Why spend a fortune upgrading an OS when the one you have is working just fine? This is especially true in a down economy when tax dollars are scarce. Teacher Salaries > Fancy Graphics.

2. Training and other set-up headaches. Transition headaches like training take away from class time.

Also you have a flippin weekend ad insert days for a reason

also i just lol'd at Necoconeco's post

 

[CarbonX13]

My school updated to Windows 7 this September. The tech lab is now all Windows 7, while the library still uses Mac OS X on slow and crappy eMac computers.

 

[xist]

The NHS in the UK is stuck on XP and IE6. I understand XP is nice and simple but IE6? That's prehistoric!

 

[fgghjjkll]

My school is okay with keeping up with the latest Mac OSX, but still stick to Windows XP...

 

[marcus69]

in my school we win 98 and win 2000

 

[lolzed]

My school's PC uses XP too,but it doesn't matter since they aren't teaching a lot of useful stuff anyway.

 

[ChrisRX]

Seeing as you're in the UK your school's computers are probably bought from RM. As far as I know the RM standard is still XP.
Therefore schools themselves can't update to windows 7 because then they'd lose support from RM by installing over their customised drive image.