Re: Affecting Institutional Change (Yeah Right)
Sorry to revive this after a while of no response, but I've only
just now found time *to* respond.
John Hasler <jhasler@debian.org> wrote:
> Amy writes:
> > By "decoders" I mean things like antiword that remove all the
> > nasty binary blobs and leave the ASCII text.
> Format converters.
Sure.
> > Does the new version of M$-Word include some sort of code for
> > embedding movies now?
> Probably, but that's irrelevant.
> > On what level is that even necessary or even desirable?
> When has that ever stopped Microsoft from adding a "feature"?
Touché.
> > Can I or can I not (reasonably) depend on such software's
> > (antiword and the like) remaining legal?
> Yes, of course you can.
Well, that is a good thing. I'm just paranoid about getting
dependent on a system that may not work later.
> > mockingbird@earthlight.co.nz (Chris Bannister) wrote:
> > > But if the M$ program somehow encrypts its documents so that
> > > is the only program that can read it, then I don't think
> > > *any* format converter will help you.
Yeah, good point. *Sigh*. I really wish that they would just quit
being evil (or at least that more people would see it)!
> > > Kevin Mark <kevin.mark@verizon.net> wrote:
> > > > Amy Templeton wrote:
> > > > > [SNIP complaints about Blackboard Course Management
> > > > > Software]
> > > > I've attended a few meeting at NYU involving free culture,
> > > > free software and law. The nyu free culture folks wanted to
> > > > replace 'blackboard' because of their software patent and
> > > > such. They are now testing a replacement[0] called 'alex'.
Ooh, cool. I mean, I doubt they'll switch over, but it's worth
looking into.
amacater@galactic.demon.co.uk (Andrew M.A. Cater) wrote:
> > > > > > amacater@galactic.demon.co.uk (Andrew M.A. Cater) wrote:
> > > > > > > [snip previous point about proprietary formats
> > > > > > > destroying the ability to archive documents when they
> > > > > > > go out of style]
> > > > > > You might want to look at Jeremy Allison's blog about
> > > > > > his problems with a friend's computer and MS Office
> > > > > > 2007. It says more than I ever could. (Also linked from
> > > > > > www.linuxtoday.com)
That is an interesting article! It has officially been added to my
arsenal. Thanks!
> > mockingbird@earthlight.co.nz (Chris Bannister) wrote:
> > > Don't bash M$ at every chance you get.
No worries...I find people are more receptive if I leave their
choice of OS alone.
> > > In reality, the presence of Vista should really help you if
> > > people are shown the docs which explain the dangers.
Good point. I will keep this in mind.
Amy
--
Day of inquiry. You will be subpoenaed.
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