Re: Re Linux word processors

["mike shupp" mikeshupp@xxxxxxxx]

It would take a very long to discuss this adequately. Let's settle
for saying that Unix-based word/text processing programs are either
functionally-impaired clones of MS Word, or aimed primarily at people
writing computer programs. For ordinary writers of prose, they have
all the convenience and elegance of the "word processors" built into
run of the mill e-mail programs.

That said, if you really enjoy taking pains, phenomenal things can be
done in Unix, using text formatting programs like nroff (and its several
variants) or TeX. Metaphorically, XyWrite is to dsr ("Digital Standard
Runoff") as a light pickup truck is to a 18-wheeler freighter

with a Peterbilt prime mover.


----Original Message Follows----
From: Gavin Budge 
Reply-To: xywrite@xxxxxxxx
To: xywrite@xxxxxxxx
Subject: Re Linux word processors
Date: Sat, 25 May 2002 18:17:25 +0100

I'd be interested to get further, more detailed comments on Linux/unix word
processors from any one who's familiar with them - I'm hoping to write a
newspaper article on "IT for humanities academics", with a particular focus
on low-cost options, but have no experience with the Unix world, and it's
very hard to get any objective reviews of Linux programs off the web. How
many have footnote/endnote capabilities, for example? I guess my interest
is really in word processors (as opposed to "text editors", insofar as a
distinction can be drawn).

I shall certainly be giving Xywrite and Notabene honourable mentions!





    Actually, none of the existing unix word processors really
    please me. There are things I do like about Linux/FreeBSD
    for programming purposes, but not for writing.








_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp.