Now that I've built my mythtv setup (thanks to all of you for your help!) I'm pretty happy with the open source Debian GNU/Linux operating system and software available. I can do all the desktop stuff I need using OpenOffice and I can do all the internet stuff I need using Mozilla with Plugins. Have not used GIMP much yet, but then again I do not believe in manipulating/altering my photos other than cleaning the dust and scratches off the scans.

I only use my dual-boot XP/Debian machine upstairs now in XP mode for Income Taxes and a some specific hardware (a negative film strip scanner I have). I have a workaround for the film scanner (my laptop at work uses XP) but nothing for doing my taxes...not being able to do taxes in Linux is a dealbreaker for me.

Q1: Is there a decent Linux-only solution for doing your taxes?
Q2: Do the web-based products available work fine using Mozilla and will they import last year's TaxCut files from your hard drive?
Q3: Do the web-based solutions let you keep a soft copy of the files for your records?

-Thanks!

_________________
R5F27
AMD Athlon 64/3000+
MSI/nVidia nForce3 mBoard
geForce 5200
Hauppauge PVR-250
Ione KBP20 Wireless RF USB Keyboard/Mouse
Sony 42" WEGA KDF-E42A10 (VGA)

Q1 No there's not even a crappy one let alone a decent one.

Q2 I know tax act works with mozilla and I think tax cut does as well. HR block is iffy. kinda sorta works. not sure about importing from harddrive, but I think so.

Q3 Yes.

_________________
Have a question search the forum and have a look at the KnoppMythWiki.

Xsecrets

I have used turbotax.com for my tax submission needs for the past 6 years and I'm happy with it. It allows me to download a final PDF version of what they electronically submit to the IRS for me. Alternatively I could print the PDF file and mail it to the IRS myself.

Also, not really what you were asking about but there is open source accounting software, like quicken, for use in Linux... check out GnuCash.

Hopefully we can cut this last strand of the umbilical for you, and get you totally off of windows.

So if you knew this was "Way OT" why is it here rather than under "Off Topic"? Gee, what a cool counter-culture thing to do! I think I'll head on over to the KnoppMyth Installation forum and post something about optimal bit rates for recording "American Idol" right now!

TurboTax online worked great in CY2006 with Linux/Firefox. Will try again next year (2007).

_________________
R5F27
AMD Athlon 64/3000+
MSI/nVidia nForce3 mBoard
geForce 5200
Hauppauge PVR-250
Ione KBP20 Wireless RF USB Keyboard/Mouse
Sony 42" WEGA KDF-E42A10 (VGA)