CafeTran

 There seems to be strict rules about splitting/joining segments of a Studio file (sdlxliff). CT can import this type of file directly, but cannot split/joint segments.

Also note that not all segments can be joined/split even with Studio itself, even when they are not properly segmented.

The following are the ways to "virtually" split/join segments.

Select each of the parts that should have appeared as separate segments, and add the translation separately to a TM.

Note that this feature of adding "a portion of the source segment" to a TM is unique to CT, and should be very useful when you have to work with "ill-segmented" files (often sent from your clients (?)).

B. Virtually joining segments:

Three steps:

1. Select the next segment in the Grid. It is automatically inserted into the current target segment.
2. Drag it into the source segment.
3. Click the icon.

 Additional note:

>> Drag it into the source segment. Click the icon.

Before you click the icon, you must deactivate the selection in the source segment; otherwise, only the selected part will be translated.

"Note that this feature of adding "a portion of the source segment" to a TM is unique to CT, and should be very useful when you have to work with "ill-segmented" files (often sent from your clients (?))."

The wheel was invented long ago, I have been using this unique feature in DVX at least for 10 years.

Selcuk

It's not a binary world and I can assure that working as a translator under GNU/Linux distros is definitely doable. More or less as much as working on a Mac is.

One does not necessary want to leave a prison just to enter another one. And Apple is known to have "the tightest digital handcuffs in history".

I have used a Mac for years in a pro environment and it certainly is far more enjoyable and probably more productive that Windows.

But too many restrictions, manufacturer decisions, and lack of customization keep on alienating (power) users.

There are other ways!

After all, CafeTran runs on GNU/Linux too :-)

PS: Sorry for intruding

idimitriadis: But too many restrictions, manufacturer decisions, and lack of customization keep on alienating (power) users.

Do you mind to elaborate?

I tried Ubunto some time ago, I sort of liked it, but I don't think it was any better than OS X, and it most certainly wasn't any easier.

The restrictions you mention are limited to the hardware, as far as I can see. An for a good reason: Apple offers the best hardware available for the job, always. It's not that there aren't any decent computers made by other manufacturers, but it's a lottery. Besides, the software - both OS and apps - are fine-tuned to that hardware, and to each-other.

Don't forget that the majority of computer users aren't powerusers, and the same goes, maybe even more so, for translators.

H.

Well, the hardware limitation is an obvious and severe restriction and I would definitely  start from there.

Mac hardware usually has an excellent design (there have been bad decisions or build issues especially on certain models) and good specs, but it is overpriced for what you get. With the same money, you can have better specs [especially graphics for example] and more hardware customizations (also cheaper), meaning that your hardware will last longer.

Indeed, Apple's hardware is quickly becoming vintage/obsolete in two ways: 

-after 5/7 years, replacement parts are no longer manufactured, and there's no repair at Apple Authorized Service Providers or Apple Stores  (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201624).

-OS X new versions and Apple software require newer hardware, which means that you get quickly stuck with an older OS X version that gets increasingly less supported: no security updates, can't install some software apps etc.

 Apple pushes too hard for newer hardware, for obvious reasons: money. Good for them, bad for users. Apple is all about smart business decisions but not user-centered/friendly decisions.

If one is willing to continuously shell out money for staying current and wants to use Apple's software ecosystem (iCloud, iTunes, etc.), all good.

Also, for the HW-SW synergy part, it definitely shows in that you generally get a more stable experience, with less hickups. I'd saythough that given the fact there are so few devices OS X runs on, it falls short: many users complain about performance issues. Unacceptably slow performance for the specs (and very difficult to troubleshoot, reinstalls at nauseum) or overheating Macs are not uncommon.

 Other restrictions:

Version compatibility and software updates/upgrades that break functionality/disrupt usability [oops you had paid for our Aperture software, did the OS X update (not even upgrade), now we don't offer Aperture anymore (didn't care to tell you before), so Aperture won't open, but you can have our new Photos app. it's promising... and you get to use our beta software as we improve it based on your frustration for lost functionality).

DRM for iTunes and App store (oh, you did subscribe for our free three months Apple Music trial but did not continue? Music on your own computer that was matched/and replaced with our database is now gone from your own hard drive, too bad you only had iCloud backup).

Want to use keyboard for everything? Well, don;t you like our wonderful GUI? Why use a keyboard when you have magic mouse and trackpad?

Lack of customization: if you use GNU/Linux, you really understand what lack of customization is, both on Windows and on OS X. Yes, you have some settings that you can tweak, but the OS itself cannot be changed much. Sane defaults are always nice, but you are punished for trying to get the OS be what you want it to be.

These are just some examples that come to mind. Especially if you have third party HW and SW, and don't want to use what software apps pushes upon you, the OS gets quickly in your way.

On the phone (I was actually on AppleCare support for Mac and iOS users), you get a lot of alienated users over the years for a wide variety of reasons (along with many very happy ones of course).

Now, If we are to compare OS X to GNU/Linux, there are many things to take into account.

It's not a question of which one is better in general, but which is better for you, all factors taken into consideration.

There are many things Apple does well with it's OS, and it is quite easy to learn when coming from Windows, and enjoyable to use.

I'll simply list a few things that I like on GNU/Linux better:

- Options/Customizations: you get a lot of those, on every aspect.

A system where everything is open source means it's configurable and hackable a lot more easily.

You have lots of options for the graphic environment (Desktop Environment actually, or DE).

Some DE's include: Gnome Shell, KDE, Unity, Cinnamon, Mate, XFCE, LXDE etc. Each has many customizations going on.

I even have a system that lacks a DE, it's just a windows manager: Openbox. very low memory usage.

- distributions that fit for many uses. Can have one on a USB stick, another one for old computers etc. Want user-friendliness?  Ubuntu is not the standard anymore: Linux Mint is. There are distributions that pass the test "my grand-mother can run it OR I removed Windows, installed Linux and my father didn't notice". // Or, want to live in the bleeding-edge? You can have a rolling-release distribution: no need to upgrade, you can update your software packages all the time to the latest versions. No need to wait or pay for upgrades.

- HW supported longer, can upgrade to newer versions even with older hardware and still do fine

- generally more lightweight OS, with options that have a lot less RAM footprint

- terminal (but this is getting power user), yes OS X has a terminal but you don;t get the synergy the GNU/LInux OS offers with the shell.

- software support: Apple's support is good (good knowledge base and support website and of course many forums) but you quickly have to to pay for it (esp. if you are out of AppleCare).

GNU/Linux develops and revolves around users and developers in community. Yes, you can still pay for support (esp. for business users), but you have a lot of tech-savvy people that can really help you, if you are willing to do a little homework, like: How To Ask Questions The Smart Way

- by using your system, you actually get to know your system. Knowledge is at your fingertips. I know a lot of Windows and Mac users that are ignorant of basic software uses. It does not help when you have a system that hides everything for you and you just have to learn how to get along with it.

other things: 

-you want Virtualization? You can have it (to run those Windows apps you still need to run sometimes)

-WINE for running some windows apps without virtualization? yes

- own personal reason: you are concerned about security, privacy, anonymity? OS X is quite secure (especially Virus-wise), but don;t forget Apple is part of NSA's Prism program. I have a fully encrypted disk that asks password before booting. Can you do this with a Mac? Have you tried the firmware password thing? How easy is it to reset it? Just change the RAM amount and reboot.

- other personal reason: You want a system that is build upon free software and open source software principles, a system that values collaboration, community etc. and is not necessarily about getting money of the user?

Now, when it comes to translators, what I think is: today, being a tech-savvy translator is a big bonus. We need to operate software with some complex features, handle different formats and handle words in the digital world. Can one thrive without dipping into some technological aspects? When you work in front of a computer all day, you come to be intimate with it and do not want to be left in the dark. Synergy between the user and it's computer is important. GNU/Linux is very good at that.

I think translators ought to be more geared towards power users than the average joe.

Then, when it comes to software tools, the situation is more or less similar between Mac and GNU/Linux. You can use software virtualization for some things, and get great software (like CafeTran or OmegaT) or use online tools for other things.

Also, I think translators do not necessarily need to pay all the time for using their tools and computers. Even for CafeTran, price is also a good reason for choosing it over more expensive tools (along with great software features and compatibility with their chosen OS).

Yes, they should buy an high-end computer because they will be using it all the time, but even then, it;s cheaper and they can use it longer without all this money.

In the end, I acknowledge choosing GNU/Linux as a translator is not necessarily the easiest route, but it is personally very enjoyable and rewarding.

Bottom line: there is another way, apart from Windows and OS X when it comes for a translator's OS.

I guess I could make a blog or something. CafeTran4GNULinux :-)

 >> I guess I could make a blog or something. CafeTran4GNULinux :-)

There should be many CT users, current or prospective or latent, who are waiting for this kind of blog and know-how.

Thanks for the encouragement!

I will probably make a translator's website soon, and maybe an attached or separate blog.

I don't think there are so many GNU/Linux-specific things going on when it comes to CafeTran, so it would be more useful to dedicate to a blog a more general theme: "GNU/Linux for translators".

There is an old website (not updated) and a low-traffic mailing list at http://www.linuxfortranslators.org/

Just above I said there are many GNU/Linux distributions that are made to fit general or specific purposes.

Well there is one, and I think any GNU/Linux translator beginner should start from it, that is dedicated to a GNU/Linux desktop for Translators!

It's aptly called tuxtrans and is available here: https://www.uibk.ac.at/tuxtrans/

One can try it even on a Windows or Mac computer without installation, using Virtualbox or another virtualization software.

The website gives a (full) list of the included software: https://www.uibk.ac.at/tuxtrans/software.html and it gives excellent inspiration to install some of these apps on any GNU/Linux distribution.

So basically, many useful translation related apps are already preinstalled, which is the whole point of a specialized distribution.

Take a look: https://www.uibk.ac.at/tuxtrans/software.html

The looks aren't very attractive, but XFCE desktop environment that is used is lightweight and a good choice for an easy to get into Linux version.

Downloading the new 64bit version right now!

idimitriadis: I guess I could make a blog or something. CafeTran4GNULinux :-)

Will come back to you later, more java first. It's still early here.

H.

idimitriadis: Mac hardware usually has an excellent design (there have been bad decisions or build issues especially on certain models) and good specs

We Macs, we usually refer to this as the MegaHerz Myth.

With the same money you can have better specs [especially graphics for example] and more hardware customizations (also cheaper), meaning that your hardware will last longer.

We translators don’t benefit much from better graphics card, but the strange thing is, that people who do, more often than not… use a Mac. Other computers are cheaper. To purchase. But if you look at the total costs of ownership, Macs are A LOT cheaper.

after 5/7 years, replacement parts are no longer manufactured

It can’t go on forever. I happen to use an “obsolete”, late 2009 iMac. It needed a repair a few weeks ago. No problem.

OS X new versions and Apple software require newer hardware

Again, it can’t go on forever. I run El Capi on that obsolete Mac. And again, no problem. I realise I should buy a new one, but as long as it’s faster than I am, I’ll wait for a newer one.

Apple pushes too hard for newer hardware

Bull.

If one is willing to continuously shell out money for staying current and wants to use Apple's software ecosystem (iCloud, iTunes, etc.), all good.

More bull. I spent USD 60 (at that time) to add 8 GB of RAM, about USD 100 for a new - rotational - HDD, less than that for an SSD. In more than 6 years.

Unacceptably slow performance for the specs (and very difficult to troubleshoot, reinstalls at nauseum) or overheating Macs are not uncommon.

Only the latter is true, and only for notebooks.

Version compatibility and software updates/upgrades that break functionality

True for a very limited number of apps, usually Pro apps. I can’t say I like it, but I can understand it: They simply gave up competing with Adobe, etc.

DRM for iTunes and App store

Nothing wrong with that.

Want to use keyboard for everything?

Use Automator Services.

Lack of customization

True to a certain point. But how many users want/need to customise their OS, and can customise it, and is it worth switching to Linux for?

I was actually on AppleCare support for Mac and iOS users

This explains it all. Few people call AppleCare to say how happy they are. The call because they have a problem.

H. (more later, maybe)

Hey, now it's too early here...

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I said CafeTran4GNULinux on purpose, knowing that you have CafeTran4Mac! At least your last posts are very helpful and applicable for any system, but CafeTran IS an argument in favor of using a Mac (or a Linux system) for a translator.

----

Okey, first, I think an AppleCare is totally worth it on Macs. A warranty extension etc. is even more important for professionals.

And you don;t want to pay the Pay-per-incident rate for every time you need help for something that is not hardware or an update issue over the phone past the first 90 days of phone support. 

29 USD/EUR (used to be 49 for Macs) when you have have Mail app. issues (say, you can't send or receive your emails) on 4 months after you  bought the computer.

https://www.apple.com/support/products/pay-per-incident.html

https://www.apple.com/support/products/mac.html

Also, I know when you work on support, you mostly get people who have some issue. I used it as an argument too. But there were many happy customers, and Apple's support is good, actually has the best customer satisfaction for years, you don;t get 90% CSAT if your products suck or if you only get unhappy customers. 

But picture that: I don't critique Apple just from the outside. I have used Macs for years and knew OS X very well, since I had to troubleshoot it over the phone, and I still prefer GNU/Linux all the way!

I also admit some stuff might have been more true in the past. Now software upgrades are even free, and yes they can be installed on relatively older hardware than before. I can say Tiger to Leopard, or Lion, these were big changes, and got a lot more issues.

You also had to pay a lot and  wait for weeks before getting new DVDs if you lost them, not a problem anymore.

No, I can't say buying a Mac or an iPhone/iPad is necessarily going to save money in the long run. Not vs a good PC with GNU/Linux at least. But it is an investment, and many things need to be taken into consideration, like the total cost for ownership.

Lack of customization: how did we say? When you go Mac, you can't go back. Well, when you get used to more software freedom and options, you can't get back to a windows or Mac cell.

Finally,  I'll grant you anything, but if you think DRM is not fundamentally flawed and it is beyond repair as a concept, then we're not on the same page.

https://www.defectivebydesign.org/what_is_drm_digital_restrictions_management

If you prefer to be able to read your ebooks only on select software and platforms, and if you prefer to have a licence to use your books, music, films and apps but not actually own them, then there is nothing I can say or do. Go Mac all the way.

The whole point of going to GNU/Linux is software freedom, open standards and an ethical/political approach on unjust control of the user by software companies.

The fundamental reason why one would like to go to GNU/Linux, it's not money, and it's not because it's better on a technical side, has more options, etc. It's because you value the thought of a computer and operating system that you control, and not the other way around.

idimitriadis: but CafeTran IS an argument in favor of using a Mac (or a Linux system) for a translator.

For me, it was the other way around. I started using Macs in 1987, had to switch to Windows when I started translating in 1994 (I hadn't, but I didn't know at the time), decided to go back to the Mac when I finally got hold of my main dictionary. I always had a Mac for all other things). So I switched to CT because of the Mac, not the other way around.

I think an AppleCare is totally worth it on Macs

I wouldn't know, I never bought it. Never needed support. Well, let me rephrase that, I needed support, but I was so used to figure things out myself, that I can live without it. That said, I never had a MacBook, and if I ever buy one, I will definitely buy AppleCare.

 if you think DRM is not fundamentally flawed

It's DRM vs piracy.

Go Mac all the way.

"Go Apple all the way" is exactly what I do. It solves the DRM "problem," it's more ethical, and everything simply works. The notes in iBook I make on my iPod touch (yes, I don't have/need/want an iPhone) for all those articles I'm not going to write also appear in OS X.

It's because you value the thought of a computer and operating system that you control, and not the other way around.

I'm pretty much in control of my machinery and software, thank you. My main argument in favour of Apple is that because of Apple's "philosophy" (a word one cannot use here, I'm afraid), hardware, operating system, software and content are optimised to an extent other brands cannot possibly achieve.

H.