Currently, an overwhelming majority of
word processed work on computers is done using Microsoft Office
(specifically Microsoft Word). The program is so ubiquitous as to be
specifically taught as part of the ICT syllabus in most schools, in
spite of the fact that the software is not free or open-source, and
creates documents using proprietary formats which do not leave the
content in a human-readable state when examined outside of the
original software.
Microsoft Office is not widely
available to the private user without the purchase of a license. As a
result, people are forced to pay in order to be able to use the same
word processor with which they were taught. While this may seem
something of a small investment when compared to the initial outlay
required to buy a computer, a desk or a house to put it in, it is
entirely unnecessary and also means that the users' introductions to
software are to programs which are expensive and require expensive
licenses, amongst other issues. One such issue is that Microsoft
Office uses proprietary formats which are not designed to be used by
other pieces of software. This also adds to the 'closed' nature of
the software and the limitations here are obvious; while certain
other programs can open these documents, the latest file formats
remain out of reach.
The 'closed' nature of the software
chosen by many has even more of an effect on the perceptions of the
user because it is very difficult to modify the software to fit the
specific needs or preferences of each user. The structure of the
program is not accessible to the uneducated user and, since it is one
of the main in-roads to computing for so many, does not introduce
users to the possibilities of customising their software to suit. As
a result, there is no motivation for a 'basic' user to attain an
understanding of how their software works.
There are many alternative word
processors which use formats which are either non-proprietary or are
at least derivatives of other formats. The most common of these is
OpenOffice, currently owned by Apache. Like many word processors,
OpenOffice is freeware and is open-source, meaning that it can be
accessed by anyone and also contributed to and modified by anyone
with an understanding of programming. This means that many Some
freeware word processors can also open file formats produced by
Microsoft's programs (or other 'closed' products), along with
producing files in formats which may be opened by a large number of
other word processors.
So, does it matter which word
processors are used by people? Of course not. As long as the end
product may be read by the target audience, the role of the software
has been fulfilled. On the other hand, the choice of software used to
teach people how to access computers is somewhat more important, as
it shapes the impressions made by technology upon the user, and it
might not be entirely constructive to give an impression of software
as an individual product which must be bought and may not be changed
by the user or interact with software which has not been vetted by
the original organisation.
I have never thought about Microsoft Word being the programme I use as a result of being taught to use it, it's a bit of an eye opener really.
ReplyDeleteI often use the nice and basic Notepad myself as I'm not one for fancy fonts or word art, especially since starting university.
You raise a really interesting point by claiming that the choice of software that is taught to people creates an impression on the user. I am quite apt in all areas in Microsoft Office, however, when the rise of Apple, more specifically programmes on the Mac, were on the rise, I was and still am at a complete loss as how to use them.
Before starting our module, I never really thought about the information I stored in Word Docs and what would happen to them if I tried to view them in another piece of software. It's a bit worrying to think that eventually I may be unable to view my files, especially as I do a lot of writing (and also because I've refused to update my Micrsoft Office since the 2002 version.)
ReplyDeleteBut it's good to know that there are alternatives out there. I feel like people should be taught about these different pieces of software. So much emphasis is now being put on children being made to use both Apple and PC operating systems, you would think it's about time they were shown the different software options too.