Take a swig of Thunderbird
I admit it. I'm a big fan of open source systems and software. Like many of you, I switched to Firefox as my web browser some time ago and never looked back. When I recently signed up to AT&T's DSL service, they kept trying to cram Microsoft Explorer down my throat and I didn't budge. My latest foray into open source is the email program called Thunderbird by Mozilla, the same folks that bring you Firefox.
One of my main motivations for not using Microsoft products for web browsing and email service is that they are the #1 target of hackers and viruses. Since Microsoft has the most users, they are the most vulnerable. I suppose when open source goes mainstream and becomes the first choice of users, it, too, will become the prime target. Until then, I am happy with being #2. I haven't made the plunge into an open source office suite (word processor, spreadsheet, etc.), but friends speak very highly of Open Office. I may have to give this a try when I eventually pick up a new PC with Microsoft Vista operating system since none of my other software will likely run on it.
What has made the Thunderbird experience so pleasant is the ease with which the software is found, loaded and operating. I even customized the presentation themes and fixed a buggy delete function without having to endure help desk hell. The software has a "knowledge base" that (after you exhaust their Frequently Asked Questions), you can access for plain text descriptions and links on hundreds of related software operating topics. Since this knowledge base exists in a Wiki setting, power users are able to edit and update the listings based upon actual experience instead of marketing or risk management concerns.
I am now in the market for a good contacts and calendaring system. I have an ancient version of Daytimer that no longer makes or services the software. I have tried ACT, Goldmine, and even (shudder) Microsoft Outlook. None of them are as easy, intuitive and versatile as Daytimer.
So if you want to give some of the open source products a whirl, start off with Firefox web browser. If you're like me, you'll soon be testing similar open source products. And you'll be glad you did.
Chris Crawford
www.justiceserved.com