On Tue, 2003-02-11 at 13:27, Mark Phillips wrote:
> I know this is a Linux discussion list and I support (and use) Linux, so 
> please don't flame me for my comments. Also, there is not  a lot of 
> information about this problem, so I may be assuming too much.
> 
> I think a Linux/Open Source as a solution is totally inappropriate. As I 
> understand the problem, this friend wants to do a mail merge. He/She uses 
> MS Word, (I assume for other mail merges as well), and now wants to add 
> some graphic images to the document. Why give them a new server using a new 
> OS and an application they know nothing about and probably can't support, 
> when all they want to do is create a mailing? In this case, why not just 
> use (horrors!!!) VB or even a MSWord macro to write a small merge 
> application that adds the pictures to the MS Word documents? This person 
> can throw away the app/macro when done, or use it again if needed. The 
> impact to his/her business is minimal and he/she can focus on the value of 
> the business instead of a neat new technology.
> 
> I am sure I am missing something, but to add a server with an operating 
> system that the user (probably) cannot support just to merge some documents 
> into a mailing seems a little overkill.
> 
> Again, this is just my opinion. If you have to flame me, then at least do 
> it off the list!
> 
-----
Sorry - on list

Solutions to most problems can always take many forms.

The power of MS Word & VB doesn't begin to match the power of unix/linux
etc. There is however, the issue of knowledge and you obviously have
some knowledge of windows and less knowledge of Linux. I understand, I
am that way too.

The thing I have learned about Linux and open source is never to sell it
short. Everything is not only possible, it is always easier to get done
on Linux ONCE I have learned how and that my knowledge is improved.

Craig