On Thursday 21 October 2004 11:39 am, Timo | thy | wrote: > My question is this: is there software out there that provides word > processing WITHIN the RTF format? It seems like this could be done, > and done simply. A basic word processor that utilizes RTF tag marks > to do its basic work would be really great. Adding a good dictionary, > thesaurus, and grammar checker should be no great difficulty. > > Is there something like this?
IBM had a 100% Pure Java version of their Lotus Suite, but they sort of strangled it in its crib. The web-hostable Lotus WritePro opened and saved in .RTF format. The current OpenOffice.Org native format is pure XML in a .ZIP container. The text is in one file, the style sheet is in another file, and graphics are kept individually in their native formats (.GIF, .JPG, .PNG) within the container. It's a modern solution to a nagging problem. I would rather see a lighter-weight program, a "BasicOffice.Org" if you will, which would have lighter programs than the unfortunately heavyweight OpenOffice.Org is. The model I'd shoot for is something that was MacWrite/MacPaint/AppleWorks simple, with a word processor, drawing, painting spreadsheet, card file and presentation module. My main interest would be in having something that even primary grade students could use with ease. So-called "Learning" software has not been so good from a pedagogical point of view, but basic word processing and basic presentation software is great for allowing children to write for themselves and to collaborate on documents. Time after time, children given the tools to write and to publish are better at language arts than those who aren't. Take care, Michelle -- Michelle Klein-Hass Box 2273, Van Nuys, CA 91404-2273 Brought to you by Linux, KDE and KMail...try it, you'll like it! -- MaX-list is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... / Buy books, CDs, videos, and more from Amazon.com \ / <http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/lowendmac> \ Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> MaX-list info: <http://lowendmac.com/linux/max.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/max-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
