*Actually, there is a reason why it won't.*

Rstuart, that remains to be seen. Changing the standard is easier
said then done and doc and xls are still the standard.

I've so far only had two cases where it was an issue. The docx file
was automatically opened by Windows 7. The secretary who tried to
send out xlsx files, as I don't think she knew how to change her
new programme, was told by a bunch of farmers that she would just
have to fax out the information. BTW that company went broke soon
afterwards.

More and more companies are now sending out info by pdf files, for
of course the reader is free.

I doubt if my accountant will lose the ability to open xls files.
Database files are all internal here, so I'll watch the story unfold
with interest and it certainly won't affect my accounting system.

So I should remain at around 20$ a year as my MS contribution.

I wonder how many times Pericles can drive over the Sydney Harbour
bridge for that :)

No-one is trying to convert you, Yabby. From experience, I know that it would be easier to introduce runner to Wicca.

If you are prepared to pay the tax, fine. If you are prepared to let your PC supplier do your upgrade in exchange for cash, fine.

>>As to programmes and files, his offsider came out, she did it all
for me.<<

To most folk, reloading all their programs - often from the original discs - was a non-trivial task. You must have a very simple system indeed. Far simpler than mine. How much were you charged for the exercise?

The reality is that you end up arguing only with yourself.

Because what you will be unable to do is convince people who have already experienced the freedom-from-Microsoft that open source systems bring, that they are by definition "tinkerers" and "fanatics".

We merely share a dislike of being taken for a ride. Especially when it is presented as being Good For Us.

And of course In Our Own, Best Interests.

*From experience, I know that it would be easier to introduce runner to Wicca.*

ROFL Pericles. I really isn't that bad :) I do indeed change my
mind on things and freely admit to having once been a MS hater.
In the end however, reason has to dominate emotion and when I looked
at it rationally, it was my loss, not their loss. I just see this
all from my perspective, which is quite different to your perspective,
which was my original point to RawMustard.

*How much were you charged for the exercise?*

Nothing extra, for when she delivered the computer, the bill was
already written out. I asked her to give me a hand, moving the stuff
that I wanted to move and she was happy to do that. The real problem
was not the software, but the Telstra mobile modem, which for some
reason refused to accept the new computer. The Telstra helpline is
not the best either.

But once again, when buying a computer, my perspective would be
quite different to yours in the city. Its in my interest that we
have somebody in the region, who lives here and sells, services
computers. These two people have been working hard, trying to set
up their business and have a good name so far. So I saw one of them
down the street, mentioned that I wanted a new computer and gave
her a figure to work with, that I was prepared to spend. They can't
make a living by volume, but they can do it through great service.

Now yes, I could have gone to the city, haggled over every last
cent etc. That would mean that people like these two would simply
close up shop and not exist here. That would not be in my interest,
for when I need a spare cable, or have a problem, need some advice
etc.

That is the point really. My perspective is quite different to
yours. .

You can stop now, Yabby. We all know where you are coming from. There's no need to apologize.

>>when she delivered the computer, the bill was already written out. I asked her to give me a hand, moving the stuff that I wanted to move and she was happy to do that<<

All power to the folk who look after your computing needs. And all power to you for generously supporting them.

Unfortunately, it cuts right across your previous "anti-tinkering" argument, since these lovely people clearly did the tinkering on your behalf. So all your rabbiting on about loving a tinker-free life with Microsoft was simply code for "I outsource my tinkering".

And there's absolutely no shame in that, for either you or for them. You both get what you want.

You still fall into the Microsoft-Koolaid trap, though, by suggesting that people who don't use Microsoft are "haters".

>>I do indeed change my mind on things and freely admit to having once been a MS hater.<<

Add this to your other epithets - "tinkerers" and "fanatics" - and a picture starts to build.

>>In the end however, reason has to dominate emotion<<

Your "reason" is that your supplier only delivers Microsoft solutions, and performs the necessary "tinkering" on your behalf. Which, as I said, is all perfectly fine.

But the emotion, as evidenced by your sneers above, is also predominantly manufactured emotion. Manufactured by you.

Enjoy Windows 7. And whatever replacement for Outlook Express that you find.

I strongly suspect, however, that you will succumb, and pay the tax.

Do let us know, won't you?

*So all your rabbiting on about loving a tinker-free life with Microsoft was simply code for "I outsource my tinkering".*

Well that is partly true. The other part is that since I sorted out
how to use Office for my BAS etc, there is virtually no tinkering,
just the same repeat every 3 months. Next is that whilst Windows 98
had lots of problems, XP was pretty well problem free, so more no
tinkering. So far Windows 7 looks pretty good, apart from their
fatal mistake of excluding Outlook Express. But yes, I want somebody
within phone reach, that if there is a problem, they can fix it.
If I buy some new gizmo, I don't want to jump through hoops, to
check if there are drivers for some other operating system or not.

On a farm I likely have far more big toys to play with, then you
in your office, so it makes sense to oursource some of the tinkering :)

Given the various posts, I don't think its unreasonable to call
RawMustand an anti Microsoft fanatic. So is my brother. Rstuart
OTOH, can commonly see both sides of an argument, all credit to
him. You seem to just hate Microsoft :)

*Do let us know, won't you?*

I sure will. Meantime you let us know, what you spend a year in
crossing the harbour bridge won't you?

Yabby Wrote:
"I don't think its unreasonable to call
RawMustand an anti Microsoft fanatic."

Thankyou, but let me just defend myself a little here. I'm not so much anti Microsoft, I'm anti getting royally shafted by criminal, unethical, and morally corrupt corporations. These are many, other than Microsoft.

You see, the difference between people like me and people like you. Is that people like me actually give a damn about the treatment of our fellow man. We see the damage done to society by theses corrupt organisations and take action to stem their filth. People like you on the other hand, don't give a rats as long as it's beneficial to you alone, quite selfish really.

See how easy it is for two people to play the ad hominem game, but I digress.

Anyway, after all this Yabby, if you ever decide to join the ranks of caring people and request help with your computing, I'll still offer my wisdom if I can see it will benefit you. A tip for free with your Windoze 7 adventures. A smear of KY helps the Windoze tax go in easier, enjoy your tinkering :)