The Open Source Experience

Open source would have been helpful in facilitating improvements to computer software and programs  if only it was accessible, or rather, is being used by people more than the commercial software programs.

For example, UP has started to use Linux and its accompanying programs since around the start of the millennium. It's free, thus, the University doesn't have to spend much on it as opposed to spending much money on Microsoft or Macintosh products, the license of which is limited and has to be paid.

However, since most of the people outside campus use licensed softwares, compatibility and formatting of files has always been a problem, aside from the fact that the interface of open source softwares is usually hard to navigate (probably because we're used to using licensed softwares).

A situation usual to students is this: A social science student has a report which s/he made using Microsoft Office, with maximum 10 pages, and has to print it somewhere in Campus to pass it. S/he formatted it in a way that it looks presentable and decent - and won't exceed 10 pages. S/he went to…hmmm…DLRC for example to print since it charges Php2.00 per page and her/his class is at AS. However, DLRC uses Linux and open office, the formatting of her paper was ruined! The header and footer moved somewhere, and s/he exceeded the 10 page limit. She only had 5 minutes left to submit the paper but since she had to re-format the document to fit the 10-page maximum, that 5 minutes is used up on deciphering how to use Linux and Open Office, s/he being used to  Microsoft and s/he not being a computer techie. As a result, s/he submitted the paper late, thus minus points, and thus, she'll hate Linux and Open Office more!

Haha, that's just exaggerating the situation a bit, but it only shows that it is difficult to just be converted to open source if you're used to something else. It's like being used to a car but then because it's expensive both to utilize and maintain, you're given a bike (when you don't know how to ride it). Or something like that. But maybe, if more people are exposed (and are being taught how to use) open source softwares, then maybe it would not be so bad.