Use of ``vi'' for business office word-processing

[John Kempf]

> In article <1246 at kitty.UUCP> larry at kitty.UUCP (Larry Lippman) writes:
>>	On occasion I get asked for my opinion on computer systems for small
>>business applications.  Since 100% of my computer applications are scientific
>>in nature (which is pretty far afield from business applications), I try to
>>avoid giving business applications advice (except to go UNIX :-) ).  However,
>>sometimes I cannot avoid getting involved...
> ...
>>	So my question is: Am I WRONG in advising people to stay with ``vi''
>>and not spend money for "word-processing software" in the BUSINESS APPLICATION
>>environment?
>
> Yes, I think you're wrong.  Secretaries don't have time, nor do they usually
> want to learn something like Unix.  They will prefer EVERY TIME something
> which works as similarly as possible to their typewriter.

[...]

> I personally would suggest getting each person an IBM-PC compatible type of
> machine.

You were doing so well, until you reached this point.  For a Computer
literate person, an IBM (compatable?) may be a good idea (debateable).
However, the MS/PC DOS OS is almost as cryptic as UNIX.  As far as
applications for the computer are concerned, the major fault with a PC is
that they are all different - you must learn a different system for
dealing with each one.  If you know how to use a word processor, that
will do you absolutely no good in learning how to use a spreadsheet,
etc.

The system to use for a business environment is the Macintosh.  Here is
why:
        First, the Mac is by far the easiest computer to use...Once you
learn the basic system (5 minutes, max) you can use ANY program out.
*They All Work The Same!*  You only have to learn one system for all of
the programs.

        Another reason is that it looks a lot like a typewriter (notice
the keyboard?).  The main screen (command interpreter if you insist) is
set up to look like a desktop (in fact, that is what it is called)  It
uses (get this!) *PICTURES* to represent its files, instead of cryptic
names.  Like a word processor document lookes like a piece of paper with
a name under it (up to 31 characters, not just eight letters/numbers + a
three letter extension)

        Finaly, at a company that I used to work for, I was given an
arguement about the average employee longevity.  The number used was
something like 6 months.  (at the time I was working in end-user
training (BARF!!!), and for some reason, I believe it. :-( )
Considering that with a PC, a new user will spend his/her first six
months buried in a manual (with UNIX, s/months/years/),  With a Mac,
this problem doesn't exist.

       
-- 
-cory

"Never believe that a wizard is truly dead, until you have personally
seen him die at least three times."

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