Under protest, I downloaded the 25 MB converter to read Microsoft's stupid DOCX files. I was making a stand by refusing to do it but finally had to break down for the sake of my business.
I've been using computers since the late 70's and file extensions have always been 3 characters MAX. Then Microsoft came along and introduced the 4 digit extensions just so people would have to buy the latest software to read the files. I would be like GE selling appliances with 4 prong plugs and having to buy special outlets to use them.
You could have gone to Open Office instead. They claim it can open DOCX files. 90 something % compatible with Microslop Office....... and completely Free
The Microsoft Converter was free and, now that I finally have high-speed, it only took a couple minutes to download, so it appeared to be the path of least resistance. Really, I just like complaining.
Yup, I have the converter installed as well. I get accused of liking to complain though I might view my comments differently......:bored:
i GOT AN IDEA
[sarcasm]Whet we really need are .DWGX files![/sarcasm]
I really liked Open Office when I didn't have the latest software. I'd still be using it except Office 10 came on the new computers I have totally unlocked.
> Really? All this gnashing of teeth to stick it to Bill Gates and save $140?
>
> MS Word
It's not the money. After all, the converter cost me nothing. It's the principle of the thing. File Extensions are supposed to have 3 characters dammit!!
> Then Microsoft came along and introduced the 4 digit extensions just so people would have to buy the latest software to read the files.
The change from doc to docx is much more than just a change in the file extension. The old doc format was proprietary binary, while docx is XML. Your old Word software wouldn't have been able to make sense of docx files (except by displaying native XML, which isn't very useful for most purposes) even if they had a 3-character extension. The converter interprets the XML to something the old Word version can render correctly.
Okay Jim
I hear what you are saying, (though I have no idea what it means)
My beef is this: In 99% of the cases, the document just contains text; something that could be put in the body of the email. But if the sender uses MS WORD as their text editor, and emails the document 30 of their friends, there are going to be a few people who can't read the email.
> You could have gone to Open Office instead. They claim it can open DOCX files.
Open Office does open docx files but not without some formatting issues. If you like Office 2003 you will love Open Office.
If you can convince your correspondent to save their MS Word files in the Open Office ".opt" file type then when they are opened in Open Office the formatting is retained.
i GOT AN IDEA
> [sarcasm]Whet we really need are .DWGX files![/sarcasm]
Did you know that those .docx files are really a form of .zip? Change the extension to .zip and unzip, you will find a package of files in there.
Gotta go with the flow ...
I started with WordStar & purchased the extra add-on to be able to use mathematical symbols, then realized that I had to change to WordPerfect because of clients and & purchased the extra add-on to be able to use mathematical symbols, and then realized that I had to change to WORD because of clients and & purchased the extra add-on to be able to use mathematical symbols.
Wondering when I'm going to have to change again.
Gotta go with the flow ...
>...and then realized that I had to change to WORD because of clients and & purchased the extra add-on to be able to use mathematical symbols.
>
> Wondering when I'm going to have to change again.
Once you go Gates, you never go back.
"We are the Borg. Lower your shields and surrender your ships. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile."
Gotta go with the flow ...
you will be assimilated.
Does one make a difference?
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