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Subject:Re: new laptop From:brianlindgren -at- aol -dot- com To:asv -at- nycap -dot- rr -dot- com, techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com Date:Thu, 27 Dec 2007 11:10:43 -0500
>From a strictly practical standpoint I'd see what the job requirement/and or market?is. I'm in South Carolina and maintain the "job bank" portion of our STC Chapter's web page. Probably all of the tech writing positions in Charleston, Columbia, Charlotte, and the area require proficiency in MS Office or FrameMaker. If the IT work is for a Government customer, Windows is almost exclusively the platform of choice here.
Apple or Linux is likely better, but it may not fit in with the specific job requirements. If you're doing a lot of work for a particular company, they may also provide you a laptop loaded with the software they require.
One thing that's been pretty unanimous so far -- avoid Vista on new laptops.
-----Original Message-----
From: Amy Sennesh Vastola <asv -at- nycap -dot- rr -dot- com>
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Sent: Wed, 26 Dec 2007 2:29 pm
Subject: new laptop
Hi, I have been lurking, reading the digest for about one month. I am a
tech writer returning to IT after a hiatus doing other things. Will
probably work on a contract basis at least to get started again.
I am wondering if a Windows system is necessary for contracting. The
Adobe TW suite only runs on Windows, but my comp. sci. major son is
urging me to get an Apple or run Linux on a Dell (Dell will be selling
laptops pre-loaded with Ubuntu, according to an article on
slashdot.org) and just use some emulation software as needed that can
simulate Windows within another operating system. Anyone have any
experience with a non-Windows laptop? I would love to escape from
Windows, but need to be practical.
Amy Vastola
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Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
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