Re: Should schools declare a platform?

George Steinitz (gork@wco.com)
Thu, 2 Nov 1995 13:19:21 EST

Marilyn Logue <mlogue@freenet.columbus.oh.us> wrote:
> Is it important for every school in a district to be buying the
>same brand of hardware. I have read both opinions. Some say that the
>hardware needs to be compatible for networking purposes, buying purposes,
>etc. I have heard the other side of the coin also. Some say that the
>students need to have experience with both platforms, so they can operate
>both when they get out into the real world.

My impression from reading various computer mags is that the platforms are
tending towards identity in the near future, as is exemplified by Windows
95 aping so much of Macintosh OS. Nevertheless my 25 years of experience in
computer usage and programming suggests that a *broader* exposure is always
preferable because seeing how some functions may be accomplished in
different ways is enlightening as one tries to solve problems. Furthermore,
there are no reasons the two cannot be on the same network with appropriate
interfaces.

Bottom line: Go for both every time!

George Steinitz aka gork@wco.com
(707) 632-6634