Hello Loopers! I recently became a proud boat owner. I have been reading various web lists about trawlers, Great Loop and cruising. Interesting reading, as I haven't put the boat in the water, nor updated any of the electronics - yet. For those of you on a budget, why pay for software when you can get compatible products for free? Many 'deals' are out there for cheap computers and computer systems, both desktop and laptop. The major stumbling block is the software. That's where they get you! Linux is an operating system that is in wide use throughout Europe and has a steadily growing user base in North America. Likewise, Open Office is much like Microsoft Office in functionality and formats. Both are free. Download them off the internet. For those who would like to try one or both, but don't have a high-speed internet connection available, contact me and I can arrange to send out the supporting CDs in snail-mail. Knoppix is a great program to try out both without the installation bother. Now to get the various map and chart programmers to become compatible with the Linux operating system ..... I suspect that Europe has already found the solution for their waterways. Kent Marshall <still mulling over vessel names>