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Software for Linux

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by dbooneweaver

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I work with a system builder and would love not to fill Bill Gates' pockets. The biggest drawback I see for linux is commonly used software. Quickbooks for example. Users are comfortable with these products and do not wish to spend the resources to change. Thoughts Please

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by watson

I agree. I work with an accounting firm. It seems we are stuck with Windows -- I don't see any MAJOR accounting apps or pro tax software for linux. I would love to have the choice to get out from under the Microsoft thumb. Even looking into the future, our vendors seem to be developing even more toward the Microsoft infrastructure in their coming releases. I suppose that't where the money is, so I can't really fault them for that.

by neon samurai

For me it's hardware, games, 3D Architect, pocketDVD, AcdSee Classic, MediaMonkey and Outlook/PalmOS/Motorola sync software that keep a win32 dualboot around.

hardware - some hardware (mostly given too me) is only supported through Windows drivers and will not function above VMware's emulation layer.

Games - need direct hardware access so VM won't cut it (Vendors.. Please.. look into openGL and release on more than one platform.)

3D Architect - old program, probably time it was replaced anyhow so it's off to the linux app alternative lists.

pocketDVD - it's just easy to use for squishing video down onto my PalmOS. I just have to take the time to learn the Linux kungfu of video.

AcdSee Classic - just a clean, quick file folder and image viewer. no extra multimedia BS bells and whistles and so far, no exact FOSS alternative but I'm closing in on the best choise for my needs.

MediaMonkey - great music library manager that allows files to be renamed and moved based on metadata. I've yet to find a music manager for Linux that allows me to specify media "/media root folder/[$album name]/[$album name] [$track#] [$artist] [$trackname].ext" and have files moved and renamed accordingly.

desktop/phone/palm sync - remains a Windows only task until free soltuions or openXchange's price point comes down to the average home user's range.

Those are the functional requirnments keeping me from reaching the other side of that bridge your joined us in plodding across. The two "alternative application" websites recently listed in comments will be a big help though.

by neon samurai

(eesh.. I should bloody work for them with the number of times I mention the site)

I'm on it daily for FOSS related news. There seems to be a healthy dose of program reviews usually coming in like clumps (accounting apps got some attention a few months back).

by rascal1981

The best suggestion I can give you for the finance package specifically is gnucash but even then I am not sure of how good that product is. The fact is that with anything different such as open source software its going to have to be a trial by fire. If the people you are working with are too skeptical then perhaps a livecd with the software built into it might be a good way to test it. Tread lightly though as it's easy to turn those people away from something new if pushed too hard. Good luck!

by neon samurai

My accounts have nearly outgrown the custom spreadsheet I manage them through and going back to MS Money is not particularily enticing. I'd be interested to hear how you do finding a Quicken replacement.

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