More on a budget than ever, how should a new free-lance writer be equipped?

I have OpenOffice at home, and it can produce some formatting nightmares when later trying to open a file in Office.

 

There are lots of issues with OS X version of OpenOffice such as tracked changes. If you are freelancing windows and ubuntu are much better because of price and third party software.

 

Have never had that problem. What version are you using?

 

3.0.0 Beta Build:9328

Problem only happens if someone sends me a document created by MS Office that uses tracked changes.

 

And here I am... with an extra, unused copy of MS Office Enterprise and no need for it... Can't sell it on ebay because it's an education version.... what to do, what to do...

 

That's what happens when you play around with beta software --- sometimes not all the features work right. Beta software is good for testing but not (normally) for day-to-day work.

Current release version is 2.4.1. There's also a newer release of the 3.0.0 beta if you insist on living dangerously.

 

I know however someone had referred to this version (OS X native) earlier. The one you are using requires X11 server.

 

Try NeoOffice. Same code base as OpenOffice 2.x.x but translated to the Aqua interface.

Or you could pony up the money for the home version of MS Office for OS X.

EDIT: Have you tried opening your Word documents in Apple's TextEdit? Helluva program.

 

Make sure you have a recording device that works with your cell phone. My system features a headset with a mic, a little black recording contraption and a digital voice recorder. Since you'll be working from home, you might not be at a desk when that key source calls.

 

Where did you find that (and how much did it cost)?

 

My two cents: You won't need those bells and whistles (which sound expensive) if you get a cell phone with a speaker phone. Comes in very handy when you're driving and someone calls and you want to record the conversation. Just have the digital (or tape!) recorder nearby and ready to go. Oh and roll up the window and turn down that damn music.

 

You can find the "wireless phone recording controller" at RadShack for $20. One cord goes to your cellphone, the other into your recorder. (Everyone already has both of those, correct?) Add your headset -- the same one that plugs into your phone -- and you're good to go.

Speaking of digital recorders, I know there have been other threads about them, but I have to give a positive review to the Olympus VN-4100PC. Easily fits in a pocket, can record for up to 144 hours in LP mode, and plugs into a USB port to download to the computer. (Not compatible with Macs, unfortunately.)