OpenOffice.org
OpenOffice.org is
a robust, multi-platform and multi-lingual office
suite
which includes a full-featured wordprocessor, spreadsheet, database
and presentation applications. It is free to download, use
and distribute.
As OpenOffice uses a standardised, XML-based
file format there is no risk about being locked into using the
software.
OpenOffice has support for a large number of languages besides
English.
The software's mission statement is "To create, as a
community, the leading international office suite that
will run on all major platforms and provide access to all functionality
and data through open-component based APIs and an XML-based file
format".
To read about the differences in functionality between
OpenOffice and Word here is a handy 28
page guide (in PDF format).
Writer
The Writer program offers very similar functionality to Microsoft's
Word application. It lets you create letters, reports, books,
brochures, with the ability to insert graphics and objects.
Features include:
- Reads and saves documents in OpenDocument (an open-source
file format) and Microsoft Word formats. Other filters include:
WordPerfect 10-13, MS Works, WordStar, HTML, XHTML, Flat XML, Text
(including RTF), and more
- Auto Spellchecking, AutoFormat (suggests common words and
phrases), Thesaurus, Autotext, Versioning, Table of Contents, Index,
and Footnotes
- Integrated Email, Sound and Movie support
- A range of wizards for automating the production of
standard documents and mail merging.
- Built in PDF Export, XML support
- Web Publishing including exporting to HTML, XHTML; WebDAV,
Run XSLT scripts, Document Sharing Server
Calc
The Calc program offers very similar functionality to
Microsoft's Excel application. It has advanced analysis, charting and
decision-making features, with a scenario manager that provides "what
if" scenarios.
Features include:
- Reads and saves documents in OpenDocument and Excel
formats
- 256 sheets, 256 columns, 65536 rows
- >275 functions (including 61 financial, 77
statistics, 11 database)
- 79 different chart types
- Pivot Table, Formula Evaluator
- Filters for: StarCalc, Excel, Quattro Prot, Pocket Excel,
XML, Lotus 1-2-3, and more
Impress
Impress offers a similar feature set to PowerPoint 2007, as
well as
providing file compatibility with Microsoft's PowerPoint file
format. It offers all of the common multimedia presentation tools
including special effects, drawing and animation tools. Using
Fontwork's special effects text and multimedia one can enhance
slideshows.
Features include:
- Macromedia Flash export, PDF export, and StarImpress/Draw
- Wide range of graphics formats including BMP, DXF, GIF,
JPG, PNG, and TIF
- Multiple Slide Designs, Image Rotation, Password
Protection, Styles, Layouts
- 59 Transition Effects, 158 Animation effects, effect preview
- Sound and Movie support
- Drawing Tools, 3D Effects, and Word Art
Draw
Draw is a vector drawing tool that produces simple diagrams,
flowcharts
and 3-D artwork. It can import graphics from many common
formats and save to over 20 formats including PDF, HTML, Flash, and PNG.
Base
Base is the equivalent to the Access software package which is included
in the Professional version of Microsoft Office. Base
provides tools for everyday database work with a simple but powerful
front end. It can credit and edit forms, reports, queries,
tables, views, and relations. It can also analyse and edit
relationships from a diagram view.
Features include:
- HSQLDB incorporated as the default relational database
engine
- Can also use dBASE, Microsoft Access, MySQL,
Oracle, or any
ODBC- or JDBC- compliant database.
- 18 database form controls, 10 form templates
Math
Math is OOo's formula or equation editor. You can
use it to
create complex equations that include symbols or characters not
available in standard font sets. While it is most commonly used to
create formulas in other documents, such as Writer and Impress files,
Math can also work as a stand-alone tool. You can save formulas in the
standard Mathematical Markup Language (MathML) format for inclusion in
webpages and other documents not created by OOo.
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OpenOffice.org also features in our 'Linux
Equivalents to Windows Software' section. The category
selector below allows you to filter the different types of software
included in that separate article.
Last Updated Saturday, February 25 2012 @ 06:16 AM EST
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