Need one say any more? They authorities were unwilling to provide a Rs 100 book with each computer, but they could give Microsoft Rs 3000 for each computer! -- FN

---------- Forwarded message ---------- This is from DIGITAL GOA, an IT newspaper published from here... FN

I am posting the following update on cyberage scheme which appeared in the latest (February) issue of Digital Goa (published today). Niraj

CYBERAGE SCHEME UPDATE

Cyberage students will get Internet, educational CDs Rs one crore spent on the software alone

Hardly 100 computers are distributed so far under the Cyberage student scheme, launched on December 19. However, as per a senior official in the Education Department, the department will try and finish atleast 80 per cent of the computers by February 20.

The delay was due to the late finalization of a deal with the Microsoft for installing Windows operating system on the computers, the official added.

"The work of installing operating system is going on in full swing at the factory itself."

It may be noted that the government had floated cyberage student scheme under which every XIth Science student in Goa will get a free computer. This year 3,000 students will be benefited from the scheme. (For more details of the scheme read the last issue of Digital Goa) Formal functions will be organized in each taluka to hand over computers to the students in the coming weeks.

The government negotiated with Microsoft for the licenced copy of WindowsXP, MS Office and McAfee virus scan for Rs 3,090/- through an agent -- Apex Computer and Engineering Services. The Microsoft had earlier quoted Rs. 6,970 per system for the package having combined retail market value of Rs 26,000. Pertinently, the government will shell out whopping (appx) Rs one crore on the software itself. The total budget allocated for this scheme for this year is Rs 10 crores. While justifying the decision of loading windows O/S as against Linux O/S, which is absolutely free, the officer said that there were complaints from the parents and students whose systems were loaded with Linux operating system. "They are more familiar with Windows. I am getting so many calls everyday complaining that Linux was difficult to use", he said.

When asked whether XI Science students would be in a position to make best use of these computers, he disclosed the government's plans to provide educational CDs and internet connection to the beneficiaries of this scheme at the subsidized rates.

"We will tie-up with BSNL to give internet connection to these students at nominal rates. We are also in the process of establishing CD libraries in every higher secondary schools on all subjects."

CYBERAGE STUDENT SCHEME SURVEY

We posed the following question to the host of IT professionals and businessmen and others to know their view on the Cyberage scheme. They were given 14 options to choose from.

Sadly, we received only four responses. However, these four opinions can be considered as the representative voices of the IT community, given the responders� stature and involvement in the Goa�s IT sector. Obviously, it is a mixed response. However, it is fairly clear from all the four responses that there is no objection to the cyberage scheme per se. but the questions are raised as regard to the methodology, timing and the level at which it is implemented.

Only two options got more than one vote -- If the 3000 computers were shared among 300 schools, we would have got better results and XI Science is the wrong time at which to give a student a PC. Interestingly, options No. 1,2,9,11 and 13 did not have any takers.

What do you think of the Cyberage scheme for students in Goa (under which Std XI Science students get an almost-free computer) and its implementation?

1. Great idea, great implementation : poor idea, yet to know about implementation 2. Great idea, implementation could be better: 3. Great idea, poor implementation 4. Engineering students given these computers could be better off 5. Why not give computers to teachers too/instead of students? 6.If the 3000 computers were shared among 300 schools, we would have got better results 7. Tender terms kept out smaller players 8. XI Science is the wrong time at which to give a student a PC 9. Transparency in computer deals a still an elusive goal for Goa 10. Software, OS, optimal issues still remain pending 11. Why criticize a good initiative? 12. This is a good start 13. More views from professionals could have been incorporated 14. We still quite don't know what's happening... 15. It will adversely affect the IT business community with a drop in computer sales.

Dr V. V. Kamat Faculty, Department of Computer Science & Tech., Goa University ANSWER: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 14

Albert D. Gouveia Scientist NIO Dona Paula ANSWER 12

Comtech Systems Option 6

Ashley Delaney Software/Hardware Consultant Saligao Answers 7,8 and 10

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