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'