[Dr. Sivana]

2) What “must have” software is out there for Linux?

That's a problem. I use Excel with some very large flat file databases -- many more rows than OpenOffice's limits (~65K). (Before you tell me I'm using the wrong tool, the Rank feature in Excel works very well to manipulate the data between databases.)

I also use FileMaker Pro, which has nothing near a Linux equivalent for useability.

I have also run into problems with the quality of video drivers and scanners.

[markomalley]

That's a problem. I use Excel with some very large flat file databases -- many more rows than OpenOffice's limits (~65K). (Before you tell me I'm using the wrong tool, the Rank feature in Excel works very well to manipulate the data between databases.)

Actually, I have Excel 2010 running on my Mint desktop. It runs just fine. I don't want to run into compatibility issues with work (do a lot of the VBA, so that is important for me)

I also use FileMaker Pro, which has nothing near a Linux equivalent for useability.

There are development environments out there, such as Glom, that might work. But if you're familiar with a tool and need to make money with it, then familiarity is crucial. Have you ever tried running Filemaker under Wine?

[TChad]

more rows than OpenOffice's limits (~65K)

The OpenOffice Calc program has supported 1,048,576 rows since version 3.3. The current version is 4.1.1.