I am Poovizhi Arasan and just joined this forum.
Confession :I have traditionally been a Windows user. Migrated to Windows from DoS. I have no particular love for windows OS and did so under duress. I still love DoS because of its simplicity.
I work on windows only for two reasons : I use MS excel extensively. Can i migrate my files into Linux's Star office or Open office Calc without going through installation of complicated drivers ?

Two I also work on Photoshop and Coral. I do know that GIMP and Dark table work very well in a Linux ecosystem. What about Photoshop. And are there any open source programmes similar to Coral draw?

Appreciate the support from Linux. Cheers
Poovizhi

Hi Poovizhi and welcome!
I can answer your first question concerning Excel files. Yes, you can. I would recommend Libreoffice for this. No complicated drivers, indeed no uncomplicated drivers, no drivers at all are required. I've used Libreoffice's scalc on some fairly major projects and had really excellent results with it.

Photoshop is legendary as software with no absolute equivalent in Linux. I would suggest you look here or at other similar sites for possible alternatives. How satisfactory they are depends on the nature of the work you're doing.

Have fun!
jdk

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Excel files will open directly under linux with the "calc" program of open office or libre office. Also you can set the default to save in EXCEL format. By the way, nobody uses star office much nowadays. As far as I remember, the default format in star office is (sdc) - different from excel (xls or xlsx) and open/libre_calc (ods). Both libre/open can also read this format.

You meant migration of data and not emigration - which means humans migrating - didn't you.

OK

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Superb, Thank you jdkaye and Anantha P. That means I cannot get out of Windows system fully, cos Photoshop especially CS5 is a version I am really addicted to. Sigh!! Therefore can only immigrate and never emigrate! Neverthless, I will move to Linux, 'cos that is the only way will be able to try out and begin working on arktable. Have to create a dual boot option then, right?

Hurrah ! i just discovered Gimpshop . Thanks for that link jdkaye

You're quite welcome. If you're happy, I'm happy. Enjoy yourself. Now you can get out of the Windows and into the sun!
jdk