Microdeal

Software agreement will benefit students

Although Bill Gates's colossal software company's policies have caused quite a stir recently, a potential deal between Microsoft Corp. and the University would benefit students and their wallets. Currently, University officials are considering a contract with the multimedia giant that could cut prices of Microsoft software by as much as 75 percent. We support this deal, as long as it doesn't make other computer technology obsolete on campus.

The software, including Windows 98 and Office 2000, would be reproduced by the University and sold to students, faculty and staff at significant discounts. While these packages would not include manuals or hard-copy installation guides, the discounts could allow more students to purchase the often-needed software.

While Gates has had some sketchy dealings in the past, Microsoft's monopolistic tendencies should not play a role in their deal with the University. Presently, the software magnate is mired in a suit brought by the federal government for using its operating system, Windows 98, to force Microsoft's other programs on the market. Complaints against Microsoft range from attacks on the quality of their products to allegations that Microsoft purposely tried to eliminate competitors, like Netscape.

But the University is hardly a large enough market to affect whether Microsoft continues its monopoly. Because programs like Microsoft Word and Excel have become industry standards, it is in the interests of PC users to have a copy installed on their computers - whether or not Microsoft is their preferred product. Because owning a computer is expensive enough already, such a monetary relief would make these essential programs much more attainable.

Microsoft is already the dominant software on campus. How often have you seen a document typed in a program other than Word?

Opponents of a University deal with Microsoft allege that such a contract would imply University support of Microsoft's business tactics. While the University shouldn't support Gates's policies, this deal allows students to purchase Microsoft software at reduced prices without affiliating the University with Microsoft.

But we caution the University administration. We don't want this deal to transform our great institution into a "Microsoft" school. The software discounts are great, but it must stop there. Many students depend on Macintosh computers.

Officials should be wary of how such an influx of one company's products might affect the present computer situation on campus. For example, there may be a compatibility issue between the discounted programs and the University's iMacs, purchased only last year, which don't necessarily require Microsoft software. Problems may also arise out of the proposed plan for preventing pirating, or illegal copying, of these programs. The discounted disks will only install their program twice, limiting their convenience for customers who plan to upgrade their hardware after installation and, more significantly, for students with computers that crash often.

Despite these potential problems, it would be in the students best interest for the University to enter into this contract with Microsoft. This deal stands to alleviate financial pressure on students and staff without affiliating the University with Microsoft. Such an opportunity should not be passed up.

09-23-99