Before my current employment with Qpay, I used a program called Open Office to do all of my word processing. Open Office is an open-source venture basically sponsored by Sun Corporation and the suite includes all the basic programs you will find in Microsoft Office: word processing, spreadsheets, simple databases, simple presentations, and a few other features. In fact, I used Open Office to write my book “365 Great Affirmations”. It was a superb experience. Today, I have a licensed copy of Microsoft Office on both my work and personal computers, but this is because I was able to afford the $150 cost of Microsoft Office for Small Business. However, not everybody is so fortunate.

Open Source is a real solution to the dilemma of expensive, mainstream software programs like Microsoft Office. The only problem you will find with Open Source programs is that of “help” or “assistance”. You might find yourself quite alone if you find an issue that you cannot resolve. You might have to consult a bulletin board or go online to join an Open Source community of some kind that has a focus on the program or suite you are using.

I recently tried to upgrade my Adobe Robohelp to the Adobe Technical Communications Suite, but experienced some corrupted files in the installation process. I was unable to resolve the matter, so finally decided to return the product and now I will only get my money back after about two weeks after the original shipping office tells their accounting office that I in fact shipped back the flawed DVDs. Adobe technical support was unable to help me get the Suite installed. Considering this experience along with the cost of the suite, I lost respect for Adobe and also the facade of the big software vendor name. I essentially tried to upgrade so I could also learn more with Captivate and Photoshop. But, it was not worth it. So, I let Adobe go, literally.

Now, I am going to try to find an open-source alternative to Adobe products. I will try to find a replacement for Robohelp, Captivate, and Photoshop. I am sure I am not the first person to cross a bridge like this where installation left your machine with some files installed and some other corrupted files that needed to be removed, but of course the uninstall feature of Windows still didn’t work. It is situations like this that has motivated the open-source movement from the beginning.

Where do I stand, at the end? Overall, I favor open-source, but will grant at least Microsoft a concession because both MS-Windows and MS-Office have performed exceptionally well in my experience. However, for other vendors, sorry, I am going open-source. Adobe is officially on my black list. Their software is not only over-priced, but also over-rated. Adobe treated me as a third class citizen and really did not fulfill its role to support the expensive cost of its product. So, it is time for me to move on and have faith that open-source is waiting for me, albeit with exceptional alternatives.

Do not let the issue of support deter you from going open-source. Don’t think for a moment that because you paid money to a company like Adobe that you will get support and respect for your business. Most of the help personnel are outsourced and located in India and outside the continental USA. It is most unfortunate. What is the solution: trust the open-source movement. Go online, find communities that support the programs you are using. You will make new friends and also discover that you can solve installation, end-user, and other issues that you thought you could not face, previously, on your own.

All The Best,

Keith

Remember that the Tao has two complimentary sides: the yin and the yang. Writing success also has two sides: the technical side (writing, computers, software, skills) and the motivational side (effort, perception, motivation, etc.). So, this post focuses on the latter of these two complimentary sides. Here is what Dr. Deepak Chopra has to say in this short, but really awesome book.

One. The Law of Pure Potentiality. Our lives have potential of all kinds. This is why we need to be aware about what we do and say. This way, we reap positive effects of our thoughts, words and actions. If we think something negative or say or do something negative, then we will have to face the consequences of such negative manifestations. Mind over matter, indeed.

Two. The Law of Giving. Like the saying goes “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” As we give, we experience fulfillment. Sure, it is nice to receive. However, the opportunity to give is really wonderful since we can help others in so many different ways. This is the way to growth in new and different ways.

Three. The Law of Karma. The Law of Karma is the law of cause and effect. Like the first law of potentiality says, the law of karma says the same thing, but in more of an umbrella-like concept. We need to be mindful of our thoughts, words and deeds. This way, we can experience more happiness because we have practiced mindfulness. We also minimize unnecessary suffering too.

Four. The Law of Least Effort. This law basically says that what is meant to be is really effortless. If I really love, for example, mathematics and mathematics comes naturally to me, then jobs and work opportunities will appear to me. They will find me. I don’t need to find them. But, we need to look within ourselves to discover our talents and skills that we have with minimal effort. This is the first step.

Five. The Law of Intention. It is my belief that what the Buddha calls Right Intention is what protects us from evil and negativity. If we endeavor with honesty, goodwill, and a positive sense of things, then this will take us far. If we endeavor with lies, falsity, arrogance and that kind of path, then things will catch up with us, and we could stand to lose alot. So, let us affirm that we will endeavor, both personally and professionally, with good intentions, always.

Six. The Law of Detachment. This is a hard law to follow. We all have expectations regarding results. I have expectations, and so do you. This is common human nature. However, we need to live with a bit of detachment because we cannot control all circumstances. We cannot micro-manage life itself. We need to live with at least some confidence in natural laws that govern the cosmos and where the forces of good can manifest. We need to live with at least a bit of trust. Then we can focus on living and not worrying.

Seven. The Law of Dharma. The word “dharma” is a Sanskrit word that means “support”. Essentially, we are all like a chain. If one of the links of the chain breaks, then the whole effect of the chain is lost. This is why collaboration is the true way to offer support in this modern economy.

All The Best,

Keith