Written December 2008
by Cliff Feldwick
I’ve written before on how Office 2007 is such a radical change from the earlier versions, particularly Office 2003 that we all enjoyed working with, that I wouldn’t advise “upgrading” to it. But I keep hearing from users, “But I’m getting documents or spreadsheets from people who have the new version, and I can’t open them”. Not true. There are several quite painless ways to do so. First, when you attempt to open a new format document (identifiable because the file extension will be .docx instead of the familiar .doc), Word will say that it can’t open this, but offer to download an update that will enable this. Most people getting this message will panic, thinking it is some sort of sales pitch or invitation to downloading a bomb. But it is indeed a link to a Microsoft web site that downloads a file called FileFormatConverters.exe. Running this file installs, just as the name promises, converter files that allow you to open and save files in the Office 2007 formats. Ta-da, no need to upgrade.
If you have said no to this and now regret it, all is not lost. The file can be found by going to Microsoft.com and typing “file converters” in the search box. Or, for a comprehensive article from Microsoft that talks about the differences in formats (in a beginning-to-middle user style), go to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/924074. This includes a link to the converter file.
I’m a firm believer in not changing what works for you, rather than being driven to something because companies “make” you. Office is a good example.
Another one bites the rust
I never thought I’d be sorry to see Circuit City disappear. While they technically haven’t done so yet, all the signs, including subtle things like filing for bankruptcy, are happening. Coming after the closing last year of CompUSA, it makes buying a computer or upgrade parts even more limited. Sorry, Best Buy, you just don’t fulfill my needs – if it isn’t this weeks model, they won’t have it. Some people dislike the store so much they will pay me to go there and buy things for them. The real pain, however, is losing yet another choice and feeling the lack of competition. Sure, Dell and Lenovo have decent websites where you can custom order things, but if you’re the type that really wants to see and feel something before paying out your cash, you’re frustrated again.
Consumer tip: if you do buy something at Circuit City, don’t go for the extended warranty.
You’ve really got to wonder note: I just noticed a Circuit City billboard that promised no interest on big purchases until 2011. I wonder if the finance company that acquires them will be so forgiving and generous.
I’ll just feed this money to a goat
That might be the same as buying gift cards, if the stores involved disappear after the main holiday season, as many of them plan to do this year. In addition to Circuit City, closures of stores include Ann Taylor, Eddie Bauer, Fashion Bug, Gap, Foot Locker, Wilsons Leather, and even – so help me – The Disney Store, who acquired the rights to about 200 Disney stores from the Children’s Place retail stores when they closed. Disney has said they will close up to 98 stores. In all of these cases, companies have not disclosed which of their stores will close – they all will not shutter, but holding a gift card from a local, now-closed outlet will not bring joy.
I’m not saying that a fruitcake will be a better choice, but its close.
In any case, I predict that the Mall in Columbia, as well as many similar spots country-wide, will have a large degree of empty stores as the new year starts. A sign that things are truly winding down, never a plus in our wildly consumer-driven economy.
Cliff Feldwick does PC troubleshooting, data recovery and network set-ups for small businesses, when not gazing at a crystal ball or his navel (or a fruitcake). He can be reached at 410-880-0171 or at cliff@feldwick.com.