[Stones] Comms

[David Shugarts]

I learn from all kinds of messages, so I appreciate this, although it is
off-topic. 

I am immediately inclined toward anything that breaks the great stranglehold
that Microsoft has. But my big concern would be that these free and
open-source programs would have to include rock-solid conversion routines,
so as to be able to go to, and from, Word¹s native format (e.g., .doc). And
of course, the spreadsheet would have to do the same for Excel documents,
etc. What might you know of this question as it relates to these programs
that have been mentioned?

--Dave Shugarts

PS‹It would be nice to construct a standard‹the Universal Document Format,
for instance‹and require that all software companies conform. But Microsoft
has dominated for so long that it would be very hard to undo their
influence.


On 4/13/08 2:46 PM, "David Swindlehurst" <davidms at uwclub.net> wrote:

> Reply to davidms at uwclub.net
> 
> 
> Andy N wrote:
> 
> Mmm - I always though PagePlus was a seriously awkward.
> 
> You could use OpenOffice - easily as good as Microsoft Office and free and
> will run on Windows, Linux and Mac machines.
> 
> Scribus is shaping up to be a very good free desktop publishing programme also
> on all 3 platforms..
> 
> The Gimp is an excellent freeware graphics programme and also for all 3
> platforms. Inkscape is a good free vector graphics programme.
> 
> The change could well be free, because most Linux distros include a wide range
> of software which handles most people's needs, though if you do decide to use
> Linux check that there are drivers for all your hardware. Why not try out one
> of the flavours of Linux on a live distro - you don't have to install anything
> to your hard drive.
> 
> The learning curve could be fun
> 
> I have found PP very easy to use! Just goes to show! I have downloaded OO and
> used it on XP. Scribus and the Gimp I have never heard of. If I download
> Linux, which version should I choose and can I run OO etc from a cd-based
> version of Linux, rather than an hd-installed version?
> 
> I know that this is not specifically Stones-related, but interest was
> expressed by Thelma and it may be that other readers will be interested. So -
> Thankyou Andy!
> 
> DMS
> 
> 
> 
> 
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> 
> 
> 
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