In brief:
Formerly marketed as "Crossover Office". The easiest answer to the charge that a translator can't manage without Microsoft Office. For around US$40, you can use your existing copy of MS Office on Linux.
Crossover Linux now supports MS Office '97, XP, 2003 and 2007, and the corresponding versions of Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Versions prior to Office '97 are not supported.
Crossover Linux website
Plus points:
- Everything you like about Microsoft Office.
- Also enables you to use certain translation memory applications.
Gripes:
- Everything you don't like about Microsoft Office. The price, for one thing.
- Depending upon the version of Crossover and whether you take the trouble to install additional fonts, the appearance may be a little rough at the edges. If you intend to use Microsoft Office only to correct minor compatibility glitches (for instance following roundtripping via OpenOffice.org), you may find this tolerable; otherwise, install the necessary fonts.
Compatibility:
- Since you are working directly in Microsoft Word, Excel or Powerpoint, compatibility ceases to be an issue.
Language support:
Excellent (albeit expensive).
Conclusion:
If you think you really must have Microsoft Office, this is the solution for you. With Crossover Linux, you can work on Linux and still use MS Office as your main word processor, without having to install an emulator and Windows. Alternatively, you can use a different word processor, and subject your text to a final check in Word or Excel to ensure that the formatting has not been corrupted. If you choose to do the latter, Microsoft's free document viewers may be adequate.
Tips:
- Most translators will find the Standard version (price in 2010: €37 euros) adequate. Pay the extra for the Professional version if you intend to use it in a multi-user environment.
- MS Works and the version of MS Word supplied with it do not run on Crossover Linux.
- As on Windows, upgrades of MS Office require access to the original installation medium (diskette, CD) if the previous version is not already installed. Crossover Linux may have problems locating the installation medium.