Anyone Use Openoffice Instead of Word?

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and opinions regarding the use of OpenOffice as an alternative to Microsoft Word. Discussions include personal anecdotes about transitioning to OpenOffice, its usability, and comparisons with Microsoft Word and other software.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions the high cost of Microsoft Word and expresses interest in OpenOffice as a more affordable alternative.
  • Another participant shares their experience of purchasing OpenOffice online and expresses eagerness to provide feedback after downloading it.
  • Several users mention that OpenOffice is user-friendly once familiar with its interface, with one participant noting the importance of saving files in the correct format for compatibility with Microsoft Word.
  • One participant states they have used OpenOffice for over a year and find it functional, especially since their version of Word is in Spanish.
  • Some participants highlight that OpenOffice is typically free, questioning the legitimacy of paid versions found online.
  • Another participant emphasizes the advantages of OpenOffice in terms of compatibility with different versions of Microsoft Word files.
  • Several users discuss frustrations with Microsoft Word and express appreciation for the features of OpenOffice, particularly in relation to document formatting and editing.
  • One participant mentions issues with formatting when using OpenOffice to modify Word documents, attributing it to user error rather than software limitations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the usability and functionality of OpenOffice compared to Microsoft Word, with some participants expressing satisfaction with OpenOffice while others prefer Microsoft Word based on their experiences.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a range of experiences with both OpenOffice and Microsoft Word, reflecting varying levels of familiarity and comfort with each software. The discussion includes insights into the challenges of transitioning between different software platforms.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those considering alternatives to Microsoft Word, particularly individuals looking for cost-effective solutions or those who have experienced frustrations with Microsoft Office products.

Exactly - widows, orphans, leading, kerning and other typesetting controls make all the difference. Wrod also has conditional text now, something we had in FM almost from the beginning.I've seen people do some interesting things with Wrod, but as the old saying does, when the only tool you have is a hammer, after awhile, everything starts to look like a nail.
 
tlennhoff said:
Yeah we had pretty intesive directions for how to do stuff. Since we were doing things for print only at that time (some 10 years ago) we were not overly concerned with hyperlinking although on future jobs I did teach people how to make the hyperlinking work. Not simple but once you set up how to do it and followed the instructions it was not too bad. Not as easy with FM but then it takes a lot of mind change to switch from word processing to page layout (and vice versa) and my employers refused initially to send me to any training.
Click to expand...
Which is exactly why I am now out of business. After all, you're a computer whiz, you can figure this out by just reading the manual and playing with it.

I get a kick out of certain members of a certain organization *cough*carclubs*cough* that are suddenly publishing experts because Microfots Publisher came bundled on their new Smell Computer.
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
Which is exactly why I am now out of business. After all, you're a computer whiz, you can figure this out by just reading the manual and playing with it.

I get a kick out of certain members of a certain organization *cough*carclubs*cough* that are suddenly publishing experts because Microfots Publisher came bundled on their new Smell Computer.
Click to expand...

LOL, I worked for a computer training company that would not allow the writers of the training to learn the software/take classes. I think it took 3 employers before I was successful at convincing them that even a computer whiz needed training. What a waste of time and money to refuse me the training, I was not a cheap writer. I love the training and liked the program so much better afterwards. Never did get to the point where I could move our documentation over to sgml though - they would not spring for that level of training even though they wanted me to convert the docs over to sgml. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Companies can be so stupid and short-sighted. :cry:
 
SGML is not for the faint of heart, though, and it takes more than just a class or two to become proficient in it.AUTHORING in SGML is idiot-proof, with the right tool, because you have no choice but to do it right. However, setting up an SGML template is not for amatuers. I think it's turned out that many people jumped on the SGML bandwagon before they found out that they didn't really need to.There were only a couple of good SGML authoring tools out there when I got out of publishing a few years ago - and I bet those are still the major players in that marketplace.
 
Can someone tell me how to download this? Word2007 trial expired and I can't even print a word file now, much less edit it:(
The site is asking which version I want and Windows w/without JRE? Don't have a clue and I need to be able to edit and/or print some of the files I find here.

TIA
Ruthann
 
Choose Windows w/ JRE. You ARE at openoffice.org, right?
 
jenniferp417 said:
Choose Windows w/ JRE. You ARE at openoffice.org, right?
Click to expand...
yes, I'm at openoffice.org. I've tried both with and w/o JRE and my computer is telling me it's an unrecognized file type. argh!

something about bitTorrent files? I'm lost and frustrated. Can you tell? lol
 
Try this link:http://openoffice.bouncer.osuosl.org/?product=OpenOffice.org&os=winwjre&lang=en-US&version=2.2.1That's the direct link to the Windows download... hopefully that'll work for you. It's an EXE file so it's just something to download and run, it doesn't need to be unzipped or anything.
 
Okay, think I finally got it figured out. Had to first download Torrent1.7.2 and convince my windows Vista OS I REALLY did want to run this. Vista stinks!

Okay, now it's time to go test it out. Wish me luck :)
 
Vista does stink. I won't buy another Windows computer because of it.Have fun playing with Open Office!
 
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