convert mac to windows headaches

[rdlaing]

it seems totally insane that in 2005 I am still getting word processing files sent to me as email attachments that I can't read because they were created by a macintosh.

Is there some simple software that can covert mac files to windows files or jsut .txt files?

Ideally people would save these in compatible formats before they send them. But the persistence of these conversion problems is ridiculous.

any help appreciated.

-- rd

[Force Flow]

What word processing software are they using, and what is the file extention?

[rdlaing]

I can email her and ask her to re-send as pasted into the email. the point is that this keeps happening with people i know who have macs and I am wondering if there is an easy conversion tool available.

[hobey19]

if they are using word on their mac it should open fine. there are other programs, tho, for text editing to use, and we need to know what they are using before we can recommend a tool

there isn't just one 'mac word processor' just like there isn't one 'windows word processor'

craig

[RayH]

Mac users have the ability to convert their files to PDF. It's a PRINTER OPTION. My sister uses an iMac with some MS Office for Mac program. It mostly works, but sometimes it gets lost in the translation. I now have her just send me PDF files and everything works fine.

I have a couple of TO PDF converters that I use to send her stuff.

[Mac Medic]

Originally Posted by rdlaing it seems totally insane that in 2005 I am still getting word processing files sent to me as email attachments that I can't read because they were created by a macintosh. Is there some simple software that can covert mac files to windows files or jsut .txt files? Ideally people would save these in compatible formats before they send them. But the persistence of these conversion problems is ridiculous. any help appreciated. -- rd

I honestly have to say you have this backwards. In 2005 it's STILL Microsoft that refuse to build any interoperability with other OS's into windows. Mac OS and Linux OS's go out of their way to be compatible with windows, not the other way around. Windows is still incapable of reading an HFS or EFS partition for lords sake!!!!.

As an aside, ask your friend to make sure that her Mail app is set to sent "windows friendly attachments" (yet another interoperability measure built by someone other than MrSoftie).