[Greybird]

IrfanView - loads instantly and has wider support/features. Photoeditor couldn't open a 11mb jpeg while this proggie can. www.irfanview.com

For once, a program that lives up to all its compliments. IrfanView is magnificent. Fast, quick-loading, intuitive, converts among dozens of formats, quick image editing, slideshows, previews, batch conversions. You have to try this.

[KeyWest]

Linux.

It looks like he is still using an MS operating system. What he is doing is really no big deal. The amount of freeware out there allows you do most of what MS offers.

Just go to alt.freeware and you will inundated with info on freeware. Or google it.

[Gorzaloon]

For Excel and Word compatability go to:

http://software602.com/

I run these because my Dell came without Excel, and with a crippled trial version of Word.

Better get them before Gates has them assasinated...the similarity is...surprising.

Grin.

[SamAdams76]

I don't understand what the big deal is. I built a bare-bones system for my kids a few years back and installed Windows98. I then turned it over to my kids and within a few months, they had it running dozens of freeware programs. They could open up and work with MS Office documents, do e-mail, play music, whatever. And it didn't cost me an additional dime. Very similar to what this guy did.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

What OS? It ain't MS-free, is it? Misleading article, IMO.

[cloud8]

"...more features and skinning support."

What's "skinning?"

[B Knotts]

What is the point of running non-Microsoft apps if you're still using a Microsoft OS?

And, vice-versa, what is the point in running a Microsoft OS, if not to run Microsoft apps?