Abstract
No single word processing program suits everybody equally well. The same can be said for spreadsheets, databases, drawing packages and even computers. Different people prefer to use different tools to create and manipulate machine‐readable data, and sometimes people need to share data with others or move data from one application to another. Not only is it silly to re‐enter data already in machine‐readable form, it may not be necessary. The author discusses categories of file and data conversion, with some examples of techniques available for conversion. He also discusses “interoperability,” an awful word for the useful ability to operate on the same data from more than one program—not merely convert data, but use and modify it without conversion. The author includes a sidebar on The Trailing Edge, his new column that will appear in Library Hi Tech beginning with the next issue.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
