CNET Editors' review
A credible rival to MS Office, OpenOffice.org includes powerful applications for making text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, diagrams, and databases, as well as HTML and XML documents. Not only does it let you edit basic documents, such as letters and faxes, it also handles equations and complex and multipart documents with bibliographies, reference tables, and indexes.
The interface is similar to that of MS Office, and even advanced Office users will find almost everything they're used to: templates, collaborative features (versions, recording changes), macros, and even a programming language. OOo, as it's known, lets you open and save documents in formats as diverse as MS Office formats, PDF, HTML, and XML. It can also import files from those formats, as well as WordPerfect and others. However, it normally saves files in the open-standard Oasis OpenDocument XML format, for maximum compatibility with other applications.
The latest versions of OpenOffice have seen a spurt of growth in the extensions available for the program. These include templates for professional writers, an export tool for bidirectional functionality with Google Docs, blog publishing, and others. Blog publishing assistance especially strikes us as a natural area for word processing to grow toward.
We were pleased to find that stability has improved too. No doubt about it, the multilingual and crossplatform OpenOffice.org is a compelling option for anyone in search of an alternative office suite.
Watch the CNET video review of OpenOffice.org:
Publisher's Description
From OpenOffice.org:
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.
What's new in this version:
- Added locale data for Maithili (India)
- Added Yoruba (Nigeria) [yo-NG] to language list.
- Added Gikuyu (Kenya) [ki-KE] to language list.
- Added Rusyn (Slovakia) [rue-SK] and Rusyn (Ukraine) [rue-UA] to language list.
- Support for 'password to modify'. (Word 97 and Excel 97 binary documents only)
- Save file with password functionality needs to be extended by customer request. Beside the already implemented file encryption, an additional passwor... See all new features
More Popular Office Suites downloads
- OpenOffice.org
26,564 downloads
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20,116 downloads
- Microsoft Office 2010
8,956 downloads
- PowerPoint Viewer 2007
5,221 downloads
- Microsoft Office Professional 2007
4,610 downloads
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All versions:
4.3 starsout of 1,874 votes
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Current version:
4.0 starsout of 271 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"It is the simplest and best program on my system"
Version: OpenOffice.org 3.3
Pros
The easy to understand operation puts it head and shoulders above the competitors. I have had three strokes and rely upon the ease of layout to get letters written. Open Office is the only one I can get full benefit of a word prosessor.
Cons
Haven't found one yet!
Summary
I would recommend this program to everyone. It is a rolls Royce amongst pretenders.
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"Stupendous."
Version: OpenOffice.org 3.3
Pros
Everything is simply out of this world: perfect options in installation, writing & reading.
Cons
I cannot find a single one
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"stay with ver. 3.3"
Version: OpenOffice.org 3.3
Pros
none it don't work
Cons
it just stops working every time I try to use it :( very buggy
Summary
stay with 3.3 I use to like it but now not at all
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"You just found your perfect "Suite"!"
Version: OpenOffice.org 3.3
Pros
Gorgeous!!
Cons
What "cons"?
Summary
May 10, 2012
I see a lot of negative votes here...! M-m-m..!! Well, just like that funny lawyer said in ''My Cousin Vinny'' - ''EVERYTHING THAT GUY JUST SAID IT'S B...!!!''. Well, same here: ''Everything those people just said is b...''. Don't believe them! Open Office is a great program. I had it for the last 5 years and I love it. I give it a big ''10''!! Thank you dear inventors of Open Office! May you live long and prosper! -
"It works fine, BUT"
Version: OpenOffice.org 3.3
Pros
Looks like all the goodies of Microsoft's product, and, best of all, it's free.
Easy to use; simple interface; choice at install as to what products you want to install.Cons
I'm using Windows 7 so that may be the reason for the one problem I have encountered so far. That problem is that the program will not connect to the provider for updates or even to register the product! But, as long as the software does the few things I need it to do - mainly word processing - I have no problem with that.
Summary
I just started using this so time will tell.
So far the only problem I'm having is the software's inability to update. When I click the update button all I get is a "page no longer available" screen. I assume this is because the program isn't fully compatable with Win7 - which is my OS. But it works fine otherwise.
Updated on May 16, 2012 -
"Love it so far"
Version: OpenOffice.org 3.3
Pros
It is wonderful to be able to copy and past with out worrying about executive shutting down my word program. Have not yet used a lot of templates but very happy with what is there.
Cons
None yet, but I'll keep checking
Summary
So glad I downloaded this program it works so much better than Microsoft word works!!!
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"download is corrupt dont waste ur time"
Version: OpenOffice.org 3.3
Pros
free ait free if it dont work
Cons
corupt onstaller
Summary
wait till they fix it or go for older version
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"to complicated"
Version: OpenOffice.org 3.3
Pros
complete programme, good display, many option
Cons
NOT simple at all, too complicated, it took me over 1 hour to set up the option just to write a simple letter of 1 paraghe. no explanation what does what. and it didnt do what i had programmed
simply put the page number at the bottom of the page.it put it on top or not at all other option i always had to repeat the same option. i write part of the letter, i save it, then it tells me. can't save this file is read only format. what is thisSummary
i expected just to click document there i go write a simple letter,
no not with this. it took too much space on my computer -
"Did not install program, see "Cons"."
Version: OpenOffice.org 3.3
Pros
Do not have any, see "Cons"
Cons
I downloaded the CNET offering of OpenOffice 3.3 three times. I need to install it on my second hard drive "D",because of space limitations on my main drive "C". I tried all three times to get the program to install on "D", trying everything I could given what I was/am offered for doing so. All three times the install program ended up on "C".
Summary
Case closed
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"Great Program"
Version: OpenOffice.org 3.3
Pros
Does everything MS office does and does not cost anything.
Cons
Could be faster loading.
Summary
Overall it's a really good program with all kinds of extras.
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