An open source suggestion for publisher?

[Oiverbotel]

I've been using MS Publisher for several years and have had constant problems with it, particularly when a component drops out and I'm told SKU112.cab is missing. After repeated repairs and re-installs, I'm giving up and wondered whether you all might be able to recommend your favourite open source alternative to MS Publisher.

My use is quite limited - generally little more than a few lines and the occasional photo, such as for invitations, music announcements, etc. So I don't need anything that's the broadest in its spectrum, but I would find it really helpful if I could open MS applications with it, without a hassle.

Thanks for your suggestions in advance!

Ollie

[Buenchico]

Not compatible with MS but otherwise ideal for your needs (and free!):
http://www.freeserifs...re/pageplus/index.asp

To fix your sku112.cab problem, scroll down to 'Resolution', here:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896866

Chris

[Oiverbotel]

Thank you Chris!

I'm going to jump on this quickly as I'm excited to see what happens! And I'll try your recommendation. Thank you very much indeed!

[Oiverbotel]

Ah...an old friend there Chris! I tried using this Lis resolution. I suspect it was my limited technical experience, but last time I tried it, I made a right mess of things. When I faced this problem yet again (4th time so far this year), I simply decided it was no longer worth the hassle. I have a second computer very close to the one this is happening on and there's no problem with it, so I figure when I absolutely have to, I can move to it to do my MS Pub stuff. Indeed, I'm looking forward to trying your recommended alternative....

btw...do you know whether I can at least view MS pub documents with this alternative software?

Thanks again!

[Buenchico]

Sorry, PagePlus has its own file format and doesn't handle Publisher files. Indeed, no other program can handle the complex formatting used by Microsoft Publisher. However you could try converting a Publisher document to another file format (such as PDF or HTML). This (free) online service, Zamzar, claims to be able to do exactly that:
http://blog.zamzar.co...pdf-odt-rtf-and-more/

If you want to try an advanced free DTP program, akin the the might QuarkXpress, you might like to take a look at Scribus:
http://www.scribus.net/

Chris