> Subject: [ILUG-BOM] Pushing Linux through small vendors
> From: Dinesh Joshi <dinesh.a.joshi(a)gmail.com>
> Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2007 19:53:41 +0530
> To: "GNU/Linux Users Group, Mumbai, India" <linuxers(a)mm.glug-bom.org>
<snip>
> But the problem with Open Office:
> 1. With average machines, it performs slow
> 2. The documents it generates are not 100% compatible with Ms.Office
> 3. Advanced features are not completely compatible
>
> But they need to inter-operate with the rest of the world which means a
> good compatibility is important.
>
Case 1:
WHEN
the recipient needs to read or view the file
THEN
use OpenOffice to create/edit,
then export to PDF,
and send the PDF to the recipient.
I think this above case covers 65% of nett usage and context.
Case 2:
WHEN
the recipient must read or view the file with M$Office
THEN
use OpenOffice to create/edit,
then save as the M$Office format (doc, xls, ppt)
and release that file.
I have not experienced any issues in
traffic FROM OpenOffice TO M$Office.
I think this above case covers 25% of nett usage and context.
Case 3:
WHEN
sender and recipient must collaborate on a document,
i.e both contribute to editing/marking/revising the file
via electronic file exchanges
THEN
it is most practial or efficient to work with the same
application/tool on both sides,
and this case is NOT specific to OpenOffice;
it is equally applicable to almost all computer applications,
especially those that do not support open standards/specifications
of data storage.
I think this above case covers 8% of nett usage and context.
Case 4:
WHEN
something other than above
THEN
I need to know more, to share my prescription for that case ;-)
I shall presume this above case covers the last 2% of nett usage &
context.
LASTLY,
if you take two similar segment cars for example,
how much of compatiblity is expected ?
Do we expect say an Indica and a Santro to be the same,
with all parts to be interchangeable ?
This example many can easily comprehend.
However, when it comes to M$Office and OpenOffice,
many of us tend to struggle with explaining
or realising compatiblity.
I guess we have to EITHER pay-up (and remain a loser)
OR move-up to open standards (with longer term gains).
> The other issue that people in India generally face is of bandwidth.
> Ubuntu installs well. It impresses them. But then it runs up HUGE bills
> downloading softwares.
Figure out how to re-configure the linux-desktop so that it does
NOT get upates automatically via the internet - thus manage their
internet usage better. Instead use CD's to effect updates, as
other posters have suggested already.
With the virus-risks on Linux-based desktops being relatively
lower, not having the latest releases is often a non-issue,
in terms of real-life utility of the environment/computer,
for most average desktop users.
If you want to be up-with-the-Jones with the latest release,
then paying some price is inevitable (internet bandwidth costs).
Thanks
Vydya
