Changing Software
This time last year I made a decision to replace Microsoft Office or Office 365 as it is currently known. Mainly because I only use Outlook out of the entire suite of software. This project stalled because I couldn't easily import my existing email archive into Mozilla Thunderbird. Hence the status quo has been perpetuated. However, there is an ongoing cost associated with this software as well as some wider considerations about ethics and privacy which is why I have returned to this matter. Although this time I wish to replace not only Office 365 but all the other "production tools" I use to write and browse the internet. I have managed to make some progress towards this goal but it has been hard to adapt. Mainly because I had everything set up to my liking. Although alternatives are available, they're never exactly alike and require a lot of fine tuning to be deemed satisfactory.
Goodbye Microsoft Office
Humans are creatures of habit. Often we find it easier to stick with the status quo, rather than try something new or make a change. I have used Microsoft Office throughout my career and it is a habit that has persisted into my retirement. However, overtime I have ceased to use much of the functionality Microsoft Office offers. Google Docs adequately caters for my needs. Yet I still subscribe to Microsoft Office, due to my affection for Outlook and the fact that I have 10 email addresses to manage. However, I don’t use half of the functionality that it provides, so it’s a bit like using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut. Furthermore, the monthly subscription for Microsoft Office is increasing due to the inclusion of Copilot AI assistant. So I’ve decided that it is time to say goodbye to Microsoft Office and to find myself a new email client. I shall also say adieu to the email archive I’ve been hoarding since 1997.