Task 16:
I already have Open Office on one of my computers at home, and have used several of its component programs. I was introduced to it through work in a previous setting, and have found it to be very useful since it is compatible with Microsoft's programs. Its compatibility and being free make it an excellent source for work-related programs that you can be sure will be usable by most of the working world, when Office or its components aren't available.

Open-source products like Open Office do somewhat fit into the library's lending philosophy in that they get the product out where people can use it in the way that suits them best, without committing to financially supporting someone else by purchasing anything. It is essentially based on the honor system, just as the library is - it is hoped that users of open-source software will not abuse the software, just as we hope that our patrons will not abuse the items they check out.