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Microsoft takes on PDF

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the enter-the-competition dept.

bhhenry writes "Linux Format reports on a new Microsoft PDF-killer technology to be included in Office 11, called XDocs. From the article: "Adobe's stock took an immediate hit, and some analysts went so far as to compare Adobe to erstwhile MS competitor Netscape.""

10 of 843 comments (clear)

  1. XXX by lovebyte · · Score: 5, Funny

    MS Xdocs
    MS eXchange
    MS Xbox
    MS Windows XP

    What next?
    MS Xwindow?
    MS Xnotfree86?

    --

    I'll do it for cheesy poofs.

    1. Re:XXX by commodoresloat · · Score: 5, Funny
      What next?

      MS OS X.

  2. Re:Sorry boys by Captain+Large+Face · · Score: 5, Funny

    >blockquote>I have to go and install some v.slow and large application to load them.

    How is this any different from Word Documents?

  3. Re:So bloody typical MS by SensitiveMale · · Score: 5, Funny

    can anyone remember the last time they actually came up with something innovative ?

    Yes, I can.

    They invented the gui. no wait...

    They invented the PDA. no wait...

    They invented the little 'x' in the corner to close the window. no wait...

    They invented the mouse. no wait...

    They invented the task bar. no wait...

    They invented a multi-user OS. no wait...

    They invented their IP stack. no wait...

    They invented multi-media on the computer. no wait...

    They invented the internet browser. no wait...

    They invented new ways to extend monopolies and even when busted they never get punished. They only have to promise not to break the law in the same way in the future.

    YUP, that is what they invented.

  4. Re:PDF Files arn't easily modifiable. by larien · · Score: 5, Funny
    I believe the saying goes:
    Microsoft follow standards the same way fish follow migrating caribou
  5. Re:Sorry boys by The-Bus · · Score: 5, Funny
    On your Linux box, you can download StarOffice from Sun (which I believe is still free as in beer, or at least it used to be).

    You cannot, however, get Adobe Acrobat 5.x for free from Adobe's website (to be able to edit files). Nor is there another free utility (that I know about at least) that lets you edit existing PDF files.

    Furthermore, Adobe Acrobat Reader does not kill its process when you exit. It happily hangs around eating up your memory, which makes it a pain in the ass to use on older computers without 74 gigafloppy interweb RAMs of memory (that's technical talk for "a lot of memory" by the way).

    I think that if Apple or a third party came up with a non-Adobe solution for a PDF-like document, that could easily kill Microsoft's idea. Or, you can create confusion by offering so many choices that the user just says "F- that! I'll just stick with what I have."

    Also, the original's story comparison of this to IE vs. Netscape is a bit faulty. There's no real reason for Joe McRegularUser to have both Internet Explorer and Netscape. Both will allow him to check NBA scores and hot asian teen pix. However, unless this Microsoft application can now handle PDF files as well (my winword.exe only spits out gibberish), AAR will always be necessary. It's kind of akin to me really really hating RealNetworks, but still having bloated GUIware like RealPlayer installed because there's no other real option (pun intended). Just because I have the new XCrap.net document editor, doesn't mean that I don't need Adobe Acrobat Reader.

    My solution to this whole big mess? Do what warez kiddies do. Just releases everything in .NFO files that are plain text with lots of ASCII art. I'd like nothing more than to get a press release from Adobe saying something like this:

    Due to new competition from Microsoft, we will now be embracing the new NFO standard. This allows you to share documents truly between any system, with documents 10% the size of PDF files. Also, you can have graphics such as a cool-ass dragon breathing fire around your letterhead right over a banner that says: "M Y C O M P U T O R C O M P A N Y R O X O R S!"


    Of course Microsoft would write back and say that now Edit.com will be integrated into Office, Windows Media Player, and Microsoft Soccer.
    --

    Small potatoes make the steak look bigger.

  6. Take the Microsoft Pledge! by Telecommando · · Score: 5, Funny

    All together now...

    I Pledge Allegiance
    To the Flag
    That Appears on my Desktop Startup Screen.
    And to the Monopoly
    For Which it Stands;
    One Operating System
    Over All,
    Inescapable,
    With Freedom and Privacy for none.

    (Sorry, couldn't resist. Feel free to mod me down.)

    --
    Beta sux! Join the Slashcott! http://hardware.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=4760465&cid=46173047
  7. Not needed by Ed+Avis · · Score: 5, Funny

    What's the point? Everyone knows that Word documents are the only interchangeable document format you'll ever need.

    --
    -- Ed Avis ed@membled.com
  8. Re:PDF Files arn't easily modifiable. by mgibbs · · Score: 5, Funny
    :-) Sorry, this just reminded me of a Simpson's quote:

    Shop Owner: We sell forbidden objects from places men fear to tread. We also sell frozen yogurt, which I call "Frogurt"!
    Homer tells the owner that he is looking for a present for his son's birthday. The owner hands him a talking Krusty doll.
    Shop Owner: Take this object, but beware it carries a terrible curse!
    Homer: [worried] Ooooh, that's bad.
    Shop Owner: But it comes with a free Frogurt!
    Homer: [relieved] That's good.
    Shop Owner: The Frogurt is also cursed.
    Homer: [worried] That's bad.
    Shop Owner: But you get your choice of topping!
    Homer: [relieved] That's good.
    Shop Owner: The toppings contains Potassium Benzoate.
    Homer: [stares]
    Shop Owner: That's bad.
    Homer: Can I go now?

  9. Wow! by Pig+Hogger · · Score: 5, Funny

    Wow! Another virus vector!!! Who said innovative technology is dull???