AbiSource FAQ

• Open Source Overview
  • What is Open Source?
  • Why is it free?
  • What's the catch?
  • Will it work on my computer?
  • Is there support?
• AbiWord Product Specifics.
  • What features are available in AbiWord?
  • Some menu items say to add code at a certain line. How do I do that?
  • How do I change languages in AbiWord?
  • If I type in another language, how do I have spell check work for that language?
  • When I try to install AbiWord on Windows, I get an error about missing MSVCRT.DLL.
  • How do I use True Type fonts for AbiWord on Linux?
  • How do I enable VI and Emacs key bindings in AbiWord?

What is Open Source software?
Open Source software differs from traditional proprietary software in that the source code (the underlying instructions which make the software function) is available as well as the application itself. For most users, the availability of source code is of no immediate benefit; however everyone benefits from higher quality software produced as a result of many individuals making improvements to the original software. For more information about the concept of Open Source, visit www.opensource.org

Why is it free?
We want everyone to use our product.

AbiSource is not shareware. You are not obligated, morally, legally or otherwise, to pay for using our products, ever. Please use our software, and please pass copies to everyone you know so that they can use it as well.

We have no hidden agenda.

What's the catch?
No catch. You don't have to make any compromises. Our products are always being improved. Initial releases may come out with only the essentials, but as Open Source software matures, it becomes as full-featured as the offerings from the leading proprietary vendors. Releasing our software as Open Source allows us to attain a higher level of quality than our closed source counterparts.

Will it work on my computer?
AbiWord works on several different kinds of computers. Versions are available for Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT. Versions for Linux work with Intel, Alpha, and LinuxPPC architectures. There are also versions available for BeOS, Solaris and FreeBSD. Currently, AbiWord does not work on a Macintosh.

Is there support?
In the future, AbiSource will provide official technical support for all of our products. Currently, support is available by signing up for the AbiWord user mailing list. Send a message to abiword-user-request@abisource.com with "subscribe" in the message body. We also host archives of this list.

The AbiWord user mailing list is designed to facilitate discussion among users of AbiWord. The list is monitored by various AbiSource project members. You may use this list to:

• post questions,
• suggest features, or
• carry on nearly any discussion which is directly related to AbiWord.

Please remember that this mailing list is a public forum and your postings may be read by many people.

AbiWord Product Specifics.

What features are available in AbiWord?
Currently, the definitive list of features is on the products page. Try AbiWord and see for yourself. It's a fast download, and the software is very easy to use.

Some menu items say to add code at a certain line. How do I do that?
This message is an indication that the dialog in question has not been added yet. As an Open Source project, everyone is encouraged to join in the development effort. This message is a reminder to those knowledgeable in programming languages such as C that their contributions are wanted. If you don't understand the specific instructions in this message, don't worry about it; be patient and these features will continue to appear with each successive release.

How do I change languages in AbiWord?
AbiWord can work with menus and strings translated into many different languages by changing an option. As there is no options dialog yet, changing languages requires hand-editing of the options file. For Linux and FreeBSD, this file is in your home directory in a hidden directory named .AbiSuite. For Windows, the file is usually in the Windows directory in a directory named AbiSuite. The file itself is named AbiWord.profile. Modify this file as follows:

• Find all occurences of the word _builtin_ and change it to custom
• Find three items with values=EnUS. Change each of these three lines to a different values, such as FrFR for french.
• Save the document, and relaunch AbiWord. All menus and strings should now be in your language of choice.

If I type in another language, how do I have spell check work for that language?
Your AbiWord distribution contains a file called american.hash. This is a dictionary of English words. By replacing this dictionary with one from your language of choice, spell check will then mark only those words misspelled for the language you choose. A comprehensive list of available dictionaries is at http://fmg-www.cs.ucla.edu/geoff/ispell-dictionaries.html

When I try to install AbiWord on Windows, I get an error about missing COMCTL32.DLL.
COMCTL32.DLL is a Windows library AbiWord needs to run. Some older versions of Windows did not have this library. You can get it free from Microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com/msdownload/ieplatform/ie/comctrlx86.asp.

How do I use True Type fonts for AbiWord on Linux?
Most GTK apps use X fonts exclusively, because what they demand of fonts is minimal. Most programs use fonts only for on-screen rendering. AbiWord also requires fonts to be able to sent to the printer. There are some complex issues regarding TrueType fonts in conjuction with printers on Linux.

The AbiSource solution is to keep a copy of scalable Type 1 fonts locally, Therefore, AbiWord can use only Type 1 fonts.

How do I enable vi and Emacs key bindings in AbiWord?
For the hardcore computer geeks out there, AbiWord is built with the ability to select arbitrary keybindings. You can switch between these different modes by pressing F12. The status bar will indicate the current keybinding mode is in use. Please note that not all vi or emacs keys are implemented, but most are. If there is a particular vi or emacs keybinding that you find is missing, remember that everyone is encouraged to join in the development process, and this might be a chance for you to make a contribution.