Accessibility to Microsoft Office

One of the primary concerns for new Linux users is what kind of access they will have to their Microsoft Office files, particularly Word files. The Linux operating system and many applications for it are designed to provide seamless access to MS Office files. Users can directly mount and access any DOS or Windows partition and its files. The major Linux Office suites, including WordPerfect, KOffice, OpenOffice, and StarOffice, all read and manage any Microsoft Office files. In addition, these office suites are fast approaching the same level of features and support for office tasks as found in Microsoft Office.

If you want to use any Windows application on Linux, two important alternatives are the VMware virtual platform technology and the CrossOver Office by CodeWeavers, both commercial packages. With VMware, you can run Windows under Linux, allowing you to run many Windows applications on your Linux system. For more information, check the VMware Web site at www.vmware.com. CrossOver Office also lets you install and run most Microsoft Office applications. CrossOver Office was developed by CodeWeavers, which also supports Windows Web browser plug-ins. You can find out more about CrossOver Office at www.codeweavers.com.