[Chris Fultz]

Interesting thread.

MS office is designed to operate on a huge number of platforms. Since Microsoft does not make hardware, it is up to the System packager (Dell, Gatewy, HP, etc.) to make sure there is compatibility. Some packagers are better than others. It would be nearly impossible for Microsoft to verify that their software works on every possible combination of Dell hardware alone, even more when you multiply that by the number of packagers -

Mac has an advantage because they make both parts - the HW and SW.
That helps with operational issues, but also drives up the cost to you, because there are no Dell-Macs or HP-Macs or anyone-else-Macs.

Despite the problems you name, Office works incredibly well in a business environment and is good because companies can share documents and presentations via. email and e-commerce packages and everyone can see the same message.

I am obviously in the minority in this post, but my views are based on the benefits MS Office (and specifically powerpoint) brings to the workplace.

I am old enough that I was working when secretaries still typed everything on a typewriter, bosses had answering machines, a FAX was a new and novel thing, and presentations were typed words on transparency sheets. We have come a long way in a short time....