Ubuntu also came with Open Office. This is something that I read about but had never used. I immediately downloaded Open Office on both Mac and Windows machines to see how well it functioned. I now have teachers and students testing this software. I am contemplating switching from Microsoft Office to Open Office. This will be a big money saver to the district. There are still a few bugs to work out but so far, I am rather happy with the software. I am also talking with other school districts who use this office suite to see what their experiences have been.
I am in an unusual position. Most of the items discussed in this class are things that I already do. While a knowledge of anti-virus software and data backup plans are important to everyone, they are things that I do every day. It was good for me to review different software options and for me to revisit my backup plan. These are things that, as long as things are working, I take for granted. I should regularly schedule a review of these things to make sure our network is protected.
So, will I use this information in the future? Right now, I hope so. I may not move forward with Linux right away but Open Office is something that I will certainly consider putting into place for the next school year. At this point, I cannot think of anything that I would change.
Hi Mike,
ReplyDeleteI too was suprised to see such a familiar environment when I booted Ubuntu. It was really exciting to find out what all the techies around me already knew!! I see you are primarily a Mac school, so I'm wondering what you use for antivirus protection in your district.
Thanks,
Mary
Open Office is a handy software to have. How cool that you have students experimenting with it all ready. I think the more you can expose the students to with technology the better prepared they will be. Microsoft has an edge over comfort with the majority of users, but as they continue to upgrade to stay in the race with the competition, more people may stray away from them. I know a lot of people who enjoy the latest version of Microsoft, but also many are annoyed with learning new software. So the move to a software like Open Office maybe more welcoming now that a few years back.
ReplyDeleteMike,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this class, too. I learned alot. When I first started using a computer, it was a Mac, now I have been using PC's for so long I don't remember much about my Mac. Unlike you, most of the things we covered in this class was new to me. I was not successful in using Linux, but will also continue to research it until I can get it to work for me. One version that I found very interesting was Sugar on a Stick. This version seemed to be loaded with child friendly applications.
While I have gotten used to using Windows and Microsoft Office, I would really like to experience using Ubantu and Open Office. What is your role in your district and how long have you been using some of the tools we learned about in this class?
I am encouraged to hear that you are thinking about moving forward with some of these things in your school. With all the free and low cost options out there it is amazing more schools are not moving this direction.
ReplyDeleteOpen office is a real gem. I use it for most of my "real" work because it has so many features that help with what I do. The price is right but also, it give you a chance to send it home with the kids so that they are legal and using the same software the school uses.
ReplyDeleteBTW:Open office had full MS-Office 2007 support at the same time that Office 2003 did. So much for incompatibily