Alborg wrote:
Quote
Actually, I used to think about distributing an mde database by using the "developer" version of MS Office (i.e. "runtiime" distribution), but Barbara Duck (emrupdate moderator) convinced me that what she does is the way to go- it's best to have the endusers simply have a license of Office in every computer. The cost of MS Office is cheap and it makes for cleaner upgrades and distribution.

So your Access database with 10 users is now cheaper WHEN YOU REQUIRE every user to have office installed? Office runs anywhere from 200 - 400. An additional cost of 2000 - 4000 to the end user.

As for the second part of your question :
Quote
Anyhow- if you need MS Word, how will you simulate this program without actually having a version of MS Word on your computer?

Pity you don't know about this.

For MS-Word: Please visit www.textcontrol.com

As you can see, they make BOTH .Net and ActiveX components that are redistributable ROYALTY FREE.

For MS-Excel please visit
http://www.componentone.com/SuperProducts/ExcelNET/

They make a royalty free Excel Component which allows your application to create and edit Excel, WITHOUT having excel on your computer.

So instead of DEMANDING EVERYONE who uses your application have MS-Office, it is better to build your application with the included functionality of reading, writing, and editing MS Word and Excel without that requirement. I've demonstrated that it can be done!

"The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." ~ Alvin Toffler