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AIBU?

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to think software companies should be encouraged to provide 'lite' versions of their products

6 replies

Cattitudes · 29/01/2021 10:39

We are really lucky to have a laptop per child, however some of these are old (4-5yrs) and really struggling with the data requirements of online learning. We are one update away from meltdown. We have fortunately got a relative in IT who has streamlined them as much as possible. For everyday school they are fine to write essays etc so reluctant to upgrade for a few weeks, as basic word processors/ Internet reseach/ homework they will probably last a few more years, it is just the live lessons (which I am very grateful for and the children do well in). I imagine though that there is some functionality in Teams and Google Classroom which students do not require even if teachers do. I have suggested that they access teams online but apparently that isn't as good. If Windows would reduce the bloatwear too that would be amazing.

YANBU software companies should offer more low memory slimline programs

YABU plonk your child outside a friend's window so they can watch the online lessons through the window (or similar solutions which don't require changes by software producers).

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murbblurb · 29/01/2021 11:09

neither. Download LibreOffice or similar, job done for free.

Windows is patch on patch on patch so really bloated after 20 years. Can your relative turn the laptops to Ubuntu? They'll be much faster after that.

Cattitudes · 29/01/2021 11:19

One is already on libre office and still struggling. I will ask about ubuntu.

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Hoppinggreen · 29/01/2021 11:20

DH (IT consultant) loves Ubuntu
I have no idea what it is really, but he raves about it

GrolliffetheDragon · 29/01/2021 14:27

Ubuntu or Mint are worth trying. There is a limit to what you can do with Windows on an old machine.

I liked Mint, worked well on an old Vista laptop.

NotFabulousDarling · 29/01/2021 14:40

Open Office is also good and free. Just check what file format it's saving everything as, so you/other people can open it all in the future.

I am quite hacked off that Windows just withdrew support for their paid-up-front Microsoft Office and are now only supporting people who pay monthly (i.e. they are forcing people to pay monthly which works out at more expensive for most home users). Sadly I have to use MS Office for my job as I have to use the advanced features which don't translate into other programs.

Ubuntu is an operating system you would install instead of Windows. It's a learning curve in and of itself. Could be an educational project for the kids to find out how to "upgrade" your software for free?

Cattitudes · 29/01/2021 18:49

Could be an educational project for the kids to find out how to "upgrade" your software for free?

They ditched computer science as soon as they could so don't think they would go for that! I get Microsoft software free through my work so it isn't the cost just the data.

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