people. Only Word can open these files, so by sending Word docs, you force
other people to use Word. The specification for Microsoft Word documents
is a closely guarded secret, and since Microsoft chooses not to create versions
for other operating systems (such as Linux), people who use those systems
are left out in the cold. Keep in mind that Word doc files produced with one
version of Word might not even be readable by other versions of Word--
forcing others to upgrade their versions. The Word doc format is not a true
standard. Microsoft changes it from time to time, most likely to force users of
older versions to buy the latest version.
in general. "The worst impact of sending Word format is on people who might
switch to free systems: they hesitate because they feel they must have Word
available to read the Word files they receive. The practice of using the secret
Word format for interchange impedes the growth of our community and the
spread of freedom."
that can be attached to an email without worry. Standards for document files
exist, and even Word supports them to some extent.
preserve some font information (such as italics, bold, font sizes, and so on),
and people can import the files into their word processors (including Word)
to edit them. You can be sure that the RTF file doesn't harbor any viruses,
because it doesn't contain any macros.
matting problem so that Word docs look more similar from computer to computer
and printer to printer? It's not that easy. Word gets font metrics information from
your output device; every time you change the print driver (even switching from one
PostScript driver to another PostScript driver, or using the same driver for a different
printer), text may be reformatted, pages may reflow, and line breaks may be different.
Printer margins (i.e., unprintable areas defined by the output device) also influence
the reformatting. Word offers an option to cut down on this reformatting: the Use
Printer Metrics To Lay Out Documents switch in the Tools Options Compatibility
window should be turned off. However, it doesn't eliminate the reformatting. Simply
moving a document from the Windows 95/98 system to Windows NT or Windows
XP can cause reformatting. Good luck with that.