For the degree I'm interested in pursuing, the mandatory "textbook" is a software program with resources, that has an MSRP of US$10,000. In hardcover, I'd spend at least US$200,000, and still not be able to do my assignments. (The program has described itself as a 'digital library' since at least 1995.)

The only fully functional version of this pogram runs on Windows. Most funtionality is unavailabe on Android. Most functionality is available on Mac, and iOS. There wo't be Linux version, unless both Apple and Microsoft are out of business, with no successor business taking up their slack.

Whilst a FLOSS equivalent is theoretically possible, the value is the digital texts, which most publishers have promised will never be allowed to be distributed in a format usable by, or with any FLOSS software. Whilst pirating is possible, that does not build bridges with the publishers.

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• Who's the Publisher? - Authored by: cricketjeff on Wednesday, April 17 2013 @ 08:25 AM EDT
• the purpose of an education - Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, April 17 2013 @ 12:24 PM EDT

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