OpenOffice.org is both an open-source product and a project. The product is a multiplatform office productivity suite. It includes desktop applications such as a word processor, a spreadsheet program, a presentation manager, and a drawing program, with a user interface and feature set similar to those of other office suites. OpenOffice.org also works transparently with a variety of file formats, including those of Microsoft Office

Localizations of OpenOffice.org are available in 27 languages, with more being constantly added by the community. OpenOffice.org runs on Solaris, Linux (including PPC Linux), and Windows. Written in C++ and with documented APIs licensed under the LGPL and SISSL open-source protocols, OpenOffice.org allows any knowledgeable developer to benefit from the source.

OpenOffice.org 1.1.3 is primarily a bug fixes release with no new feautes. Best of all, it's still free.


For most users, this free package can rival MS Office. OpenOffice.org includes powerful programs for creating interactive text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and diagrams. Not only does it let you edit basic documents such as a letter or a fax, but it handles complex and multipart documents with bibliographies, reference tables, and indexes. Even advanced users will find almost everything they've become used to: templates, collaboration features (versions, recording changes), macros, and even a programming language. OpenOffice.org lets you open and save documents in formats as widespread as MS Office, PDF, HTML, XML, and StarOffice.
The interface doesn't differ much from that of MS Office. Every document opens in a new window, and you can add toolbars and buttons. The drop-down menu provides quick access to recently opened documents. Some tools, such as Stylist, can be docked. Other features include powerful formula and diagram editors. We had stability problems when working with several documents. You can assign the amount of memory the package and each document uses. Anyone looking for an alternative office suite should check out this package.

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