OpenOffice.org (Windows) 2.4.1

Publisher's description of OpenOffice.org (Windows)

view larger

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.

Version 2.4.1 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

See more CNET content tagged:

OpenOffice.org,

Microsoft Office,

open source,

spreadsheet,

XML

Editor's review of OpenOffice.org (Windows)

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.

User reviews of OpenOffice.org (Windows)

• Average user rating: out of 781 votes
• Your rating: Write your own review

This software version | All versions

• [+] Expand review

  OpenOffice.org (Windows)

  Very nice suite

  by: furnilover21 on 11-Aug-2008 10:40:53 AM

  Pros: The developers of this suite should be given a month long party due to the features and functionality this suite brings (without the bulky new Office 2007/8 theme.)

  Cons: To get grammar checking, you need to download an optional extension known as LanguageTool. Although Microsoft Office already had grammar checking by default.

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No

  Flag for offensive content Reply to this review (0 replies)

• [+] Expand review

  OpenOffice.org (Windows)

  It works and its free.

  by: Jngoi on 16-Jul-2008 10:04:23 PM

  Pros: It works and is a good substitute for Microsoft Office. When XP is discontinued and is not supported anymore, will probably switch to Ubuntu and use Open Office.

  Cons: Nil.

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (2 of 2 users said yes)

  Flag for offensive content Reply to this review (0 replies)

• [+] Expand review

  OpenOffice.org (Windows)

  excellent free office suite

  by: dalmatianspots on 17-Jul-2008 12:59:40 PM

  Pros: Its Free

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (0 of 1 users said yes)

  Flag for offensive content Reply to this review (0 replies)

• [+] Expand review

  OpenOffice.org (Windows)

  as expected as expected

  by: jackaperry on 30-Jul-2008 10:05:35 AM

  Pros: So far so good. not used much but worked as expected so far

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (0 of 1 users said yes)

  Flag for offensive content Reply to this review (0 replies)

• [+] Expand review

  OpenOffice.org (Windows)

  This program is just about equal to MS Office.

  by: Rosiesunrise on 17-Aug-2008 06:38:48 PM

  Pros: I like how easy the programs are to use and how easily obtainable it is.

  Cons: I would prefer if this program was more compatible with MS Office. I would love if the draw program saved in JPG or other similar file types.

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No

  Flag for offensive content Reply to this review (0 replies)

Submit your review for OpenOffice.org (Windows):

You must be 13 years of age or older to submit personal information to CNET Networks. In compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998, CNET Networks does not accept name and e-mail address information from users who are under 13 years of age.

All submitted ratings and written comments become the sole property of CNET Networks, Inc. (CNET) and may be used at CNET Networks' sole discretion. Ratings and written comments are generally posted within two to four business days in batch groups, not in real time. However, CNET Networks reserves the right to remove or refuse to post any submission for any reason. You acknowledge that you, not CNET Networks, are responsible for the contents of your submission.

CNET Networks is not responsible for the content of the publisher's descriptions or user reviews on this site. We encourage you to determine whether this product or your intended use is legal. We do not encourage or condone the use of any software in violation of applicable laws. CNET Download.com does not sell, resell, or license any of the products listed on the site. We cannot be held liable for issues that arise from the download or use of these products.