They could've done it for free with Linux or UNIX, then used the money
they saved to buy even more computers.
Windows 7 to 'Elevate Miami'
Summary
The city of Miami's "Elevate Miami" program is installing Windows 7 in five locations to help its residents better compete in the new digital society and economy.
Topics
When new software comes out, usually the more well-to-do get access first, and then eventually it trickles down. However, some of the first to use Windows 7 will be among those traditionally left behind--including those in some of Miami's poorest areas, many of whom don't even have a home computer.
That's because the city is moving to Windows 7 in several of the computer centers that are part of the Elevate Miami project, which aims to equip all of the city's residents with digital know-how, including its vast Spanish-speaking population and the city's most economically challenged areas.
The city is putting Windows 7 machines in five locations, including four of the city's parks and also at the Little Haiti Cultural Center. Two of the centers already have Windows 7 installed, according to city staff.
"By making the latest tools of technology available to the citizens of Miami, the Elevate Miami program hopes to better prepare the Greater Miami community to participate and compete in the new digital society and economy," said James Osteen, the city's assistant director of information technology.
Read more on "Using Windows 7 to 'Elevate Miami'" from CNET News.
Talkback Most Recent of 20 Talkback(s)
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olePigeon14th Oct 2009 -
I am sure they knew that...
and apparently nobody cares.
JoeMama_z14th Oct 2009 -
I am not so sure...
there's a lot of incompetence in the public service.
The Mentalist14th Oct 2009 -
They most likely
Did it because Windows has 90% market share. While Linux would have been a better move, if the city wants to educate people with the use of computers, I assume they wanted to bring people up to speed with the OS they are most likely to come across more. Knowing *nix or OOo isn't going to help them run Vista or 7 and Office...
Cylon Centurion14th Oct 2009 -
You are right in part, the objective is to make people feel included...
not educate them in the use of computers.The Mentalist14th Oct 2009 -
Put it this way
Which OS do you think employers will look for first:
Linux and OOo
Or
Windows and Office?Cylon Centurion14th Oct 2009 -
Honestly?
The differences between Word and Oo Word Processor are so minimal that if an employer actually does ask if they can use Word the answer should be, "Yes", regardless. What they don't know can be learned in minutes. Use of Windows is so much common knowledge that no employer is even going to ask for proof.
But if you can say, "I can use Windows, Linux, and a wide variety of Word Processing systems", it shows diversity. That would catch my eye on a resume.
Socratesfoot15th Oct 2009 -
They most likely...
"Market share" has nothing to do with it. They most likely did it because Microsoft gave them the OS very cheap. Creating a large number of Windows 7 advocates can only help MS and if you train uneducated and poor to only use Windows, that's all they'll know. Windows at a reduced cost would seem easier to them to implement by the state then Linux, even free. They also generally have policies that prevent them from using non-commercial software. So Linux, while easier, faster, more reliable, etc...was never an option.Socratesfoot15th Oct 2009 -
I completely agree with 90% market share
This is very true, and what I've been trying to get across in my postings. With basic education (in general) and much of the job market (non IT professional related) being Windows based, Miami's decision to use Microsoft OS was the best choice. Besides, I'm sure that politically speaking, Miami would've been reprieved for not using the most modern and mainstream technologies.
J.
jaredzusmc19th Oct 2009 -
And had no one using them.
The idea was to give them access to something useable and of value to them.
No_Ax_to_Grind14th Oct 2009 -
Wrong! The objective is to make them feel included.
This is a social project remember? It's objective is not teach people about computers.The Mentalist14th Oct 2009 -
Then That Excludes Your Posts
Not usable and of zero value.
itanalyst2@...14th Oct 2009 -
No, the post was
accurate. The city of Miami wanted a tool that could be used, not a tool they had to teach everyone how to use to less effect.
They chose what suited best. The fact that you don't like it is meaningless.
mdemuth14th Oct 2009 -
Yeah right... A social inclusion program...
just the right place for employers to go find good workers, I'm sure win 7 will make those new graduates completely irresistible.
Why don't you do a reality check, it would help you.The Mentalist15th Oct 2009 -
I don't think they have the time and money like Munich...
You know, the six-year old Linux project with no end in sight...
transposeIT15th Oct 2009
Talkback - Tell Us What You Think
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