[ale] Linux replacements for some M$-based junk

[Geoffrey]

Joe Knapka wrote:
> Hi folks,
> 
> I have a friend who wants to investigate converting his business to
> open-source software. I believe I know of OSS replacements for most of
> the software they use, with two exceptions:
> 
> (1) A horrid little Access-based app, upon which they are
> very dependent, and for which no source, and little if
> any support, is available;

Any real database would work, but I'm assuming the problem is replacing 
the app.

> 
> (2) Peachtree Complete Accounting, which is a comprehensive
> business accounting package.

I just picked up a copy of mybooks by appgen.  It's gotten some pretty 
good reviews.  You can download it for free for 30 days use.  It comes 
with a test business set of data.  It also runs on Windows and Mac.

> 
> I've never played with WINE, but it looks like this would be a good
> time to start. I suspect I'll probably be able to get the Access
> nastiness running under WINE, assuming Access runs under WINE at
> all.

Crossover office.

I'm much less sanguine about Peachtree Complete, since it's a
> large, complex app that may exercise little-known corners of the Win32
> API, and they really can't afford to lose their accounting
> data. (Which begs the question of why they're using Windows in the
> first place, the answer to which is, of course, that no one ever told
> them they didn't have to (until now)). Also, they have a subscription
> to the Peachtree service that ships them new tax tables and so forth
> on a regular basis. I suspect I may need to leave a Windows box around
> just for this purpose, unless someone can suggest an alternative.

Again, I'd check into mybooks.  The standard version is $99.  They've 
got a pro version and a Custom suite.  The pro is pretty pricey $249 for 
2 user version, $799 for ten user.  I don't know that much about the 
custom suite.  Check them out:

http://www.appgen.com/

-- 
Until later: Geoffrey		esoteric at 3times25.net

The latest, most widespread virus?  Microsoft end user agreement.
Think about it...