Microsoft Corp (MSFT)

[WindowsMan]

Here's how Linux gets to the desktop...

As a disclaimer, WindowsMan has installed and tested many different versions of Linux.

The last versions I tested were Lycoris Desktop/LX and Xandros (which LINDOWS is based upon).

All versions had a quirk in the installation routine except for Lycoris. Lycoris and Xandros both came
with their own verions of an Office application. Xandros came with Open Office which had no
problems opening MS Office files smaller than 15 megs. Office files with sizes beyond that
(which do exist at my place of employment) caused the machine to lock up.

IMO: If you have a small office Linux is a good choice...if you decide you really want to get away from MSFT.
But if you are doing it from simply the angle of saving money, I don't see it.

The majority of the PC's out there are STILL running Windows 98, and if this is setup properly Win98 is quite stable.
A FREE version of OpenOffice can be had for the Windows platform so that negates the need to switch
to Linux in order to run OpenOffice. And you can purchase MS Office for $100 for 'educational purposes' which
msft defines as having anyone in your home in the school.


http://techupdate.zdnet.com/techupdate/stories/main/0,14179,2914241,00.html

OpenOffice, for example, still lacks the polish necessary to convert the mass of Office users, despite the cost advantages. Kapor said the OSAF is funding extensive testing for Microsoft Excel compatibility to help on that front.