Zamzar.com is a good, web-based way to convert files from one format to another. They include docx support these days, so you can convert back to doc. Or to pdf. Or a variety of other formats.

I asked a co-worker to save it as a .doc, so I'm good. (Except there turned out to be an embedded Visio flowchart, at which point I decided I really didn't care that much and would look at it tomorrow.)

Tommyrot I wanted to thank you for your help. I looked at both the Windows and XP versions of the Aspire One today. Screen quality blew me away - but the Linpus version definitely had better video than the XP home. Font quality was crisper and sharper, contrast was better, graphics looked better. I'm sure it is a software rather than hardware issue. Linpus was customized for Aspire. Also I called Acer to check if they just send a copy of Linpus for the cost of the disk. Nope, they don't support Linpux on their XP versions. Now since it is linux derived and thus open source I'm sure it is available on the web. But I'm going to make sure my ducks are in a row on this before buying an XP version and searching Linpus. I'm thinking of installation hassles with no support if something goes wrong. Maybe I'll just buy the version Tommyrot did. I mean I can just download Linpus lite from the Linputs website - but I wonder Aspire tweaked their version to get that screen resolution, or if standard Linpus lite will work.

Now since it is linux derived and thus open source I'm sure it is available on the web

Yes, Acer has made the sourcecode available. Dunno about the compiled version.

Oh, and I just read [link] that Acer will be making the 6-cell battery available by itself as an upgrade to the Linux version (which comes with the 3-cell battery). The above link is to a review of the laptop, and there's a link on how to customize the Linux desktop to enable the right-click menu, which (among other things) lets you install software packages like any other Linux system.

Also, I received an install disk with the laptop - I can lend it to you or burn you a copy if you want.

It really is awesome for its price. Yesterday the cute woman at the cafe where I ate lunch asked me all about it (she was considering getting one to take to class), and commented on how cute it was.

Thanks Tommyrot. I may take advantage of that. If you burn a copy I will pay for the DVD and mailing costs.

Ooh - Wired is raving about a brand new netbook: Review: Lenovo S10 — The Best Netbook We've Seen All Year

$469. Has a bigger screen than the Aspire One, and weighs 2.7lbs.

Lenov is the Chinese company that bought the Thinkpad line from IBM.

But the reviews say the screen is dim. And the battery has a under a three hour lifespan.

Ended up getting the same one Tommyrot did. There as open box Linux one for $315, and I can't find the XP one for less than $370. Given my modest needs in this area, the difference is not worth it, though I may narrow that difference by buying a six cell battery.

I'm doing a clean install (Erase & Install) of Leopard onto one of our office Macs. It's been saying "About 9 minutes" for at least 20 minutes now. Suggestions?

I'd wait some more. Those estimates are often off by a lot.

Is it a newer (i.e. fast) Mac, or an older one?

eta: Is there any other sign of activity? Is the HD doin' stuff? If so, then things are probably fine.