Perhaps some things would be easier if you use Linux. You might at least consider it, although switching to Linux can require some retraining - obviously.

The European Community has published a document of ca. 200 pages, on switching to Open Source: aspects to consider, general strategies, and details about specific technologies. (I don't have the URL right now.)

Precisely because of the licensing costs for Windows, many companies - and entire countries! - are gradually switching to Open-Source, like Linux.

Also, for a less drastic transition, you might get licenses for the Windows Operating System only, but replace Microsoft Office with Open Office (or some other freeware). Available at www.openoffice.org.

HTH,

Hilmar.

>Please take a moment to consider a valuable Montreal community project asking for your help - Thank you, Charles Richard
>
>SVP prenez une minute pour évaluer un service communautaire Montréalais important qui mérite votre assistance - merci , Charles Richard
>
>(a French message follows)
>WANTED: WINDOWS/OFFICE AND OTHER LICENSE DONATIONS
>
>In an effort to raise funds, RePère Inc. offers professional computer services and recycled (or refurbished) hardware to the local community. We are able to achieve this through donations of computers and licenses by companies and large organizations.
>
>Our main problem is licenses:
>
>In order to offer a computer at a reasonable cost (individuals and Non Profits), we are requesting the donation of licenses and unused CD's such as Window 98 or better, Microsoft Office 97 or better, French or English. These licenses will serve low income people as well as non profit organizations, at the same time supporting RePère Inc and their essential community services.
>
>RePère Inc., a non profit organization in Montreal, serves men in the community who want to improve the relationship with their children by offering seminars and workshops on all aspects of fatherhood. We also support men who are in need of legal and psychological advice regarding fatherhood, marriage, divorce and separation.
>
>Needless to say that this type of service is in great need and there is a lack of providers of these services.
>
>Please forward your donations to:
>
>Charles Richard
>NVO Management Systems
>For and on behalf of RePère Inc.
>331 Desmarchais Blvd.
>Montréal, Québec
>Canada
>H4H 1S5
>crichard@repere.org
>514-761-7118
>
>DEMANDÉ: LOGICIELS WINDOWS/OFFICE ET AUTRE
>
>Dans le but de s'auto financer, RePère Inc offre à la communauté et aux OSBL, des services professionnels et du matériel informatique recyclé (ou récupéré). Nous pouvons le faire grâce à des dons d'ordinateurs et de licences par des compagnies et grandes organisations.
>
>La principale lacune se situe au niveau des licences.
>
>En effet, pour offrir un ordinateur à un prix suffisamment bas (individus et OSBL) nous lançons cet appel de dons de licences et de CD non utilisés comme Windows 98 ou mieux, Microsoft Office 97 ou mieux, en français ou en anglais. Ces licences serviront aux gens à faible revenu ainsi qu'aux OSBL, tout en contribuant au financement de l'organisme communautaire RePère Inc et de ses services essentiels à la communauté.
>
>RePère Inc., un organisme sans but lucratif de Montréal, assiste les hommes qui désirent améliorer leur relation avec leurs enfants. Cette assistance prend la forme de séminaires, d'activités et d'ateliers sur la paternité. Nous venons en aide aussi aux hommes ayant un besoin juridique ou psychologique se rapportant à la paternité (activités parentales, séparation, divorce).
>
>Dans ce domaine, les besoins sont énormes, et le manque de ressources est criant. Aidez-nous !
>
>Veuillez faire parvenir vos dons à l'adresse suivante:
>
>Charles Richard
>RePère Inc. A/S
>Les systèmes de gestion NVO
>331 bl. Desmarchais
>Montréal, Québec
>Canada
>H4H 1S5
>crichard@repere.org
>514-761-7118