When I came to Iowa State University, I was under the impression that I would be going to school with other individuals who could think for themselves and reason things out. I must say that I have been proved wrong in the last few days with all the talk about the Microsoft agreement. For the last couple of days I have been dumbfounded by what I’ve been reading.

When someone says that most people don’t use Microsoft products, do they realize that Microsoft has about 85 percent of the world market when it comes to computer operating systems? To say that the agreement would be discriminating to those individuals who run the Mac OS may be true. But to bring up Linux? Linux is an operating system that’s used primarily for servers and computer hobbyists. It is not an alternative to Windows. It is not user-friendly and there aren’t many software companies who are going to spend money developing good software for an OS that isn’t used by home users or in the workplace.

Most business, whether you like it or not, use Windows and Windows based applications. To me paying a small fee of $25 is a drop in the bucket to what I’m already paying, especially if it allows me the chance to gain access to programs that I would otherwise have to learn when I get out into the workforce. Then there’s the argument that not everyone is going to be getting his or her $25 worth. How many people actually take advantage of all of the things that our student fees pay for? I know I don’t, and know that there are many others like me.

I would really hate to see us squander an opportunity like this, which allows us access to software that we would otherwise not be able to afford.

Andy Cremer

Junior

Mechanical engineering