Why Mention Ubuntu on My Site?
First of all, I am a Microsoft Windows
System Professional. I have been involved with Microsoft
Products (Desktop Operating Systems and Server Operating
Systems) for over 25 years.
Why not plug Microsoft? Being
a computer professional, I get a LOT of questions from people
regarding their home machines.
- What kind of PC should I buy?
- What software should I buy?
- How do I get on the Internet?
- etc.
HERE'S WHY! Since the release of
Microsoft Windows 7, software prices are through the ROOF!
I recently visited a local office supply
store and went to the shelf where the new Microsoft products
were on display.
WHAT A SHOCK!
OUCH!
I must admit, that Microsoft Products are excellent. And
if you can afford $300 the first year and $99 per year thereafter on software (or if you are running a
business where you can expense your software) it is still an excellent choice.
BUT - If you could find other uses for $300 (like me) you should take a look at Ubuntu
Desktop with Open Office. They are totally free.
OPEN OFFICE? What is it?
1. Word Processor - A decent
word processor. Can open/edit/change/save Microsoft Word
documents.
2. Spreadsheet - A decent
spreadsheet. Can open/edit/change/save Microsoft Excel
documents.
3. Presentation - Can
open/edit/change/save Microsoft PowerPoint documents.
4. Database - The open office
product currently does not support opening
Microsoft Access databases in their native form. Fortunately,
you can export the data from Microsoft Access into MySQL - the open source
database in Ubuntu (and Open Office).
With Ubuntu, you don't have to be a total Linux geek to reap the benefits of Open
Source. It is extremely easy to use. Solutions to most of the issues that you will run into are
just a Google search away.