LETTER: Open software standard needed

Editor,

In many of the computer labs the university now provides two new software programs. One is called Mozilla Firefox and the other called OpenOffice.org.

I applaud the installation of these programs on these computers. These programs are based completely on open standards. Anyone can write a program that will interoperate with either of these two programs.

Unfortunately, many professors still choose to make students use formats that are controlled by a single organization, thus limiting students choice of software. USU needs to adopt a policy that all data and forms will be provided in a format that is open so students can choose to use which ever programs they want.

Kyle Waters