I have been recommending Linux to many people sense I first found out about
it, and I point them to Debian because it seems to have the most open and
supportive access I have found. I also point them to the Linux home site so
they can form there own opinions about the different distributions. The
biggest argument I get back is "Everyone I deal with is using MSOffice and
I need to stay compatible". Now I understand that MS software won't
currently run on Linux, however, when I pressure them for more info, I find
that the most common compatibility issue is MSWord97! Surely any word
processing system should be able to import many different formats of
documents. I know the Staroffice seems to be a common word processor for
Linux and WordPerfect, I hear has been ported as well. If either of these
systems can import MSWord documents, then compatibility is NOT an issue. I
don't know if this is the case or not. Also, are there any other common
office tools, like spreadsheet, database etc. . . that can be imported to
the Linux equivalent? I know the MS software is locked behind heavy
copyright laws and such, however, there should be no reason the file
formats they produce can't be implemented in Linux software as
Import/Export features. This would allow more people to use Linux AND keep
in touch with their clients who are using MS software. Please educate me on
the formats that ARE compatible, so I can pass this on to people who say
"I'd love to use Linux, but my client uses MS'X'software and I have to stay
compatible." Then I can reply "Certainly compatibility is an issue,
however, You can use 'X' to import and export to MS'X' format, stay fully
compatible with your clients AND take advantage of a more powerful System
as well!"
Like I said, just my two cents worth.
Cheers,
John Gay
