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I got the distinct impression of a foot in the door.
  technofile
Al Fasoldt's reviews and commentaries, continuously available online since 1983

"Free" offer from Gates Foundation has Windows strings attached

Library director told: You must buy Gateway computers and Microsoft programs


June 12, 2000


Copyright ©2000, Al Fasoldt
Copyright ©2000, The Syracuse Newspapers

Dear Mr. Fasoldt,
   I'm writing to let you in on the latest Bill Gates ploy, his foundation's plans to bring computers to public libraries. I am a public library director and attended his foundation's "carrot and stick" mandated all-day workshop recently, so that my library would be eligible to receive at least one of his software-laden computers. We have to conquer the "digital divide", right? Well, according to Massa Gates, we do this by accepting one or more PCs and printers in our libraries, using money from the Gates Foundation to buy hardware and software from Gateway (we were assured that the same-sounding name is just a coincidence, which I would like to believe).
   However, to receive this free package (no such thing as a free lunch!) we have to pledge that the library will keep up the good work and purchase upgrades to the software and hardware every four or five years or so. At that point I got the distinct impression of a foot in the door.
   These upgrades will be paid for by the library, of course, and will certainly continue in the fine tradition of Microsoft and Windows, with not a hint of Mac or Linux to be found, I'm sure.
   Why am I so cynical? Because I read your column each week and feel you have a good handle on this company that has really put it over on the consumer. I also feel that many of the problems I have with my own computer and all the ones in my library are not entirely my own lack of expertise but might just be the fault of the software and/or hardware: Windows and PCs.
   But I am stuck with this Gates Foundation Initiative because my library board tells me there is no reason not to accept this "gift". Am I really looking a gift horse in the mouth, or a hydra-headed dragon that is getting it's claw into my business forever and ever?
   Oh well, c'est la vie. I bow my head in thanks to Massa Bill for his fine, unselfish generosity. (Which is destined to fill his coffers even more, if I've read it right.)
   Thanks for letting me spout off on this problem. I wish I could be assured that Bill and Melinda Gates are doing this entirely altruistically, but it would be hard to convince me.
   
Name withheld