CompuServe Messages

Dwayne: I have some definite opinions on the topic of education, especially in regards to software. When the tools we used in our jobs were "hard" (typewriters, pencils, etc.) access to the knowledge of how to operate these tools was accessible. You could go to a library and take out a book on typing, rent or buy a typewriter, and learn how to type. The same was true for drafting. A straight edge, some squares and a pencil, go to the library and teach yourself. Self improvement was possible. With a library card and a bit of initiative. Now that the tools we use are "soft"( WordPerfect, CAD, PhotoShop, etc), public access to these tools is no longer possible. Education has been replaced by Training. To get training you have to pay. Who do you pay? MicroSoft, Autodesk, Bently Bros. or their representatives. The software companies have even got the governments of Canada and the US to enact laws to protect them from evil people wanting to learn. The Software Police recently busted an operation here in Victoria. Guess what it was? A Training Centre. It is no longer possible to educate a person without paying money to Bill Gates & pals. In the eyes of the software companies it doesn't matter if the product you purchase is used for education or for profit. You still have to pay up. You will tell me that educational versions of software are available. You can count them on one hand. And it isn't mandatory. What if you aren't in school? What if you are just trying to keep pace with the industry? What if you are unemployed? What if you want to keep from getting laid off by learning new skills? You are out of luck. Pay to play they'll tell you. People who have initiative and drive and are interested in improving themselves and do not have many thousands of dollars are forced to pirate software, and xerox manuals. There is no alternative. We have allowed the software companies to rob us of our ability to educate ourselves. J.F.