[SC.LUG] Linux MS Office look-alikes in practice.

[Roger Gibson]

Hi All,  does anyone have any user experience of Linux MS office 
look-alikes like SUSE Enterprise Desktop 10.

I am involved with a small chairty in Chester, and I have been asked to 
help with rationalising their ad-hoc IT stuff.  There are about 6 PCs of 
various vintages, which could ideally be networked, including internet 
access and printer(s).  All the users are familiar only with MS Word and 
Excel, some with MS Publisher.  A lot of stuff to and from grant aiding 
bodies uses Word and Excel, with on-line forms to download, fill in, and 
email back.

There could be significant savings if the whole lot were Linux based, 
both savings in licence costs, and getting the best use out of hand me 
down PCs.  However the users are not IT buffs, many struggle with Word 
etc as it is, and there are part-time helpers who use computers at home 
and are only happy with what looks familiar.

I'm afraid this is not a preaching opportunity.  It would only work if, 
in 12 month's time I could ask, 'Did you know this was not MS Office?', 
and they reply 'No'.  A great shame, but ...

I just wondered if a Linux look-alike of MS Office would be a step too 
far for this application.

Any experiences out there would be most welcome.

Many thanks - Roger Gibson.