CB> How are your schools dealing with access issues?  We are just 
CB> developing 
CB> our policy.
 MS>     Public schools here are running into skeptical politicians when 
 MS> it comes to _widespread_ placement of computers in 
 MS> schools anyway.  Many question the cost-
 MS> effectiveness.  Nobody is lucky enough to have your 
 MS> problem.
One assumption made is that the useful life of a computer is 5 years or less. 
 However, I feel that this is a misconception due to over promotion of new 
software/hardware.  Given proper equipment purchases, most hardware can be 
kept in service for at least 10 years.  Our word processor (WP51), is no 
longer in production, but it is not going to wear out and, I have been told, 
the tool of choice for many law firms even now.  Things will change, but not 
as fast as hype proclaims.
 
Our problem is that the hardware we have was five years old when purchased, 
out of production, and with no reguard for its life-span or upgrade path (a 
PS/2 lab).
 
Effectiveness of a tool depends upon training, schools have spent very little 
to train teachers--result, unused equipment, wasted money, etc.. 
 
However, I think your statement that nobody is lucky enough to have my 
problem is incorrect--quite a few schools have far more than we do, I bet 
that there are some in your state.
--- Maximus 2.02
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