Shawn,

I'd like to mention that this is an environment where English is
definately the first language, and in many cases not even the second
language.

Also, while literacy is pretty high compared to the rest of the region,
computer education is not very widespread.

Fine, let us have a Linux specific app. However, unless you have a
company or consortium or government body that specifically develops and
markets an Arabic or Hindi version of Linux people need Office, or
whatever else works. If the CrossOver plug-in does the job and lets them
run Linux for everything else then it is worth it.

One day we'll have Arabic development tools for Linux, as well as
applications with Arabic support. Until then, my Kefiyyeh is off to
Codeweavers.

OTOH, there is a perfect market for Linux in the Middle East. Older
computers, low income, need for hi-tech OS's. A company that invests
into selling Arabic + Hebrew Linux solutions could make tons of money in
support from the Oil Sheiks, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt.

All MSFT can offer is an overpriced OS with over priced apps. At least
with CrossOver you can cut the overpriced OS.

Samir M. Nassar
'Open Source, Open Systems, Open Borders, Open Minds'