BACK IN 2004 I did an article about OpenOffice.org Version 1 which was the first product to deliver the benefits of open-source software to mass-market users, delivering essential everyday software tools completely free of charge.
Now two years later, there is a new version, which has gotten even better. The first office suite to use the new OASIS OpenDocument format, the future-proof international standard for office software is easier to install, with a whole new look and feel, matched to the type of computer in use.
The license requirement is still the same: you may download OpenOffice.org Version 2 completely free of any license fees, use it for any purpose- private, educational, government and public administration, commercial - and pass on copies free of charge to family, friends, students, employees, etc.
WHAT'S IN OPENOFFICE.ORG?
WRITER is OpenOffice.org's word processor: use it for anything from writing a quick letter to producing an entire book with embedded illustrations, cross-references, tables of contents, indexes, bibliographies... Auto-complete, auto-format, and real-time spelling check make light work of the hardest task. Writer is powerful enough to tackle desktop publishing tasks such as creating multi-column newsletters, brochures - the only limit is your imagination.
Use CALC to bring your numbers under control. This powerful spreadsheet has all the tools you need to calculate, analyse, summarise, and present your data in numerical reports or sizzling graphics. A fully-integrated help system makes entering complex formulas a breeze. Sophisticated decision-making tools are just a few mouse clicks away. Pull in external data using the Data Pilot, and sort it, filter it, and produce subtotals and statistical analyses.
IMPRESS is the fastest, most powerful way to create effective multimedia presentations. Your presentations will truly stand out with special effects, animation and high-impact drawing tools.
DRAW will produce everything from simple diagrams to dynamic 3D illustrations and special effects.
New to Version 2, BASE enables you to manipulate database data seamlessly within OpenOffice.org. Create and modify tables, forms, queries, and reports, either using your own database or Base's own built-in HSQL database engine. You can download it from -
www.openoffice.org.
Send your comments or suggestions to thestartech@yahoo.com. You can also write to StarTech c/o The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston.
- Leroy McLean
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