FEMA relief services Windows-only
updated 08:55 am EDT, Wed September 7, 2005
FEMA relief services
Hurricane survivors using Mac and Linux computers have been unable to use Federal online, reports Macworld UK. The service, created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), only works with Windows and Internet Explorer 6. It is unclear if there is a reason the FEMA site blocks non-Internet Explorer browsers. Some Mac users have managed to gain access to the site using Opera -- which can identify itself as Internet Explorer 6 -- without problems. Ars Technica claims many relief workers have been forced to spend precious aid money on Windows OS licenses as they set up terminals to help hurricane victims initiate the claims process. The controversy is the latest in an ongoing struggle with FEMA, which has been criticized for not doing enough following the disaster.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2005
Windows and FEMA
The reason FEMA only accepts and supports Windows is because the Federal Government is Microsoft's largest customer. I just retired from the Air Force and worked in the communications fraturnity. That's exactly what it is, a frat because if you use anything other than a Windows based machine, you weren't getting any support. In fact, in the Air Force, you can't even order a computer that isn't a Windows based machine. If you use Mac, you ain't getting online in the Air Force or the Gov. That be da truth people.
Mark