I'm in a bit of a sticky wicket....

[The Duke]

I am at a loss for what to do about it. The software that I have--AutoCad, Photoshop, etc is pretty much useless as it isn't compatible with any of the newer operating systems and I am opposed to subscription services. I guess I will eventually return to antiquity and live in the real world. LOL.

Linux has many comparable programs.
Or you could crack the jerbronis that wanna rape you's code.
Both are possible.

 

[Concerned American]

Linux has many comparable programs.

I've heard about Linux for years but I've never touched it. I am totally ignorant re: Linux. I just did a quick search and it looks promising. I think I will investigate further. I'm fed up with anything Microsoft and I really don't like the intrusive garbage that comes with most software and services these days. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[iamwhatiseem]

I am at a loss for what to do about it. The software that I have--AutoCad, Photoshop, etc is pretty much useless as it isn't compatible with any of the newer operating systems and I am opposed to subscription services. I guess I will eventually return to antiquity and live in the real world. LOL.

We have an old Windows XP computer in the shop that has Quark 5.1 on it. It does everything we need it to. We do countless forms for the government, and it does it all perfectly fine.
However, the real work we do with Adobe Creative Suite. Where you have no choice but to pay the ENORMOUS subscription cost. They copied Microsoft Office ploy. Which makes any document created with a newer version - cannot be opened by an older version.
As the end producer, we have to have the new software otherwise we can't open customer files.

 

[The Duke]

Some of that old machinery, you gotta use XP or maybe even '98.

 

[The Duke]

I've heard about Linux for years but I've never touched it. I am totally ignorant re: Linux. I just did a quick search and it looks promising. I think I will investigate further. I'm fed up with anything Microsoft and I really don't like the intrusive garbage that comes with most software and services these days. Thanks for the suggestion.

Linux has a lot of office, CAD, and photoshop-type software.
The most software will probably be for a GNOME or KDE desktop.
Those 2 most likely have the most software options available.
GIMP works good.

 

[iamwhatiseem]

You can also use Open Office or Libre Office.
I have used Libre for years. Like almost 20 years.
It can open every M$ office document, and is compatible both ways. In other words, in Libre you can create a document and M$ Office can also open it.
It is free. Always has been.

 

[iamwhatiseem]

I have ran Linux file servers for almost 30 years.
There is no possible reason whatsoever to have a Microsoft Server and pay the enormous cost.
I use LinuxMint as a file server now. And backup to an external drive. The one I use now is about 8 years old and I have never touched it.