Still using Microsoft Word?

Monday, 13 September 2004

Yeah, I know, I like grammar check too. I also, enjoy… wait a second, I think that is all I miss when I use programs other than Word, say OpenOffice. It is well beyond my understanding why people perpetuate vendor lock-in by continuing to use a program that has been made a commodity.

Think generic drugs. Does anyone buy Tylenol when they know they can get the same thing cheaper. It’s called Acetaminophen. Well, I don’t anyway. I guess you could buy specially packaged, elderly friendly, long lasting, Tylenol gel tab, eh… back to word processors.

Anyhow, why pay the extra? In this case, it is 100% more expensive to buy Microsoft Word, than to download OpenOffice and use Writer. There are others who are tired of it as well, and not just because it’s expensive (John Dvorak of PC Magazine seems to think it is time to ditch the software).

And while you are at it, check out OpenOffice Impress. Think of all of those times you have used “Power Point” as an noun. “I am going to make a Power Point.” How about we change that to, “I am going to make an Impress Presentation!”

Yeah, it doesn’t sound as catchy, but I can still hope it will change someday. 🙂