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OpenOffice.org version 2

OpenOffice is a free alternative to Microsoft Office, with a surprising range of features. The information provided tends to be technical, but if you are experienced with office-type applications you should have little difficulty getting started with OpenOffice.

For more information, or for Linux or Mac versions,  you should go to  www.openoffice.org

Click here to install Open Office on your PC 

Click here for installation notes

Click here to read licence

OpenOffice.org Features

OpenOffice.org 2 gives you everything you'd expect in office software. You can create dynamic documents, analyse data, design eye-catching presentations, produce dramatic illustrations, and open up your databases. You can publish your work in Portable Document Format (.pdf), and release your graphics in Flash (.swf) format - without needing any additional software. OpenOffice.org is now available for more users than ever, with support for complex text layout (CTL) languages (such as Thai, Hindi, Arabic, and Hebrew) and vertical writing languages.

If you're used to using other office suites - such as Microsoft Office - you'll be completely at home with OpenOffice.org. However, as you become used to OpenOffice.org, you'll start to appreciate the extras that make your life easier. You can of course continue to use your old Microsoft Office files without any problems - and if you need to exchange files with people still using Microsoft Office, that's no problem either.

The Entire Suite

• Native XML file format for small, yet powerful documents.
• The powerful OpenOffice.org API allows you to create external functions to leverage the power of the suite just how you need it.
• Ability to import many different types of documents and templates from a range of other programs.
• Ability to export to a huge range of formats from HTML to MS Office XP
• Functionality to import address book from Mozilla/ Netscape 6.x or LDAP
• Unicode support, allows more than 15 localisations of OpenOffice.org to be available.
• Vastly enhanced printing capabilities and options.
• Autopilot guides you through creating complex document, clearly.

WRITER

WRITER is a powerful tool for creating professional documents, reports, newsletters, and brochures. You can easily integrate images and charts in documents, create everything from business letters to complete books with professional layouts, as well as create and publish Web content.

• Direct connection with external email software to seamlessly send your documents worldwide.
• The Stylist allows you to change the entire look of your document instantly.
• Form-letter management to send letters to addresses in a database.
• Compare changes and work collaboratively using the Versions system.
• AutoCorrect word completion speeds up your writing in a non-obtrusive and powerful way.
• Indexing and Bibliographic functions make moving around inside a document easy.
• Sophisticated layout manager that allows you to display everything you want simply and clearly.

CALC

CALC is a feature-packed spreadsheet which can turn boring numbers into eye-catching information. Calculate, analyse, and visually communicate your data quickly and easily. Use advanced spreadsheet functions and decision-making tools to perform sophisticated data analysis. Use built-in charting tools to generate impressive 2D and 3D charts.

• Create StarBASIC macros or sophisticated Add-In functions in Java or C/C++ using the OpenOffice.org API.
• Import and manipulate information from external sources (such as ODBC or JDBC databases) or other OpenOffice.org programs using DataPilot.
• Natural language formulas.
• Combine the contents of cells from several sheets with data consolidation.
• Scenario manager to perform what-if-when analysis.
• Charting tools to visualise data in 2D or 3D.

DRAW

DRAW will produce everything from simple diagrams to dynamic 3D illustrations and special effects.

• FontWork allows you shape text for an extra effect.
• Quick and easy creation of complex 3D shapes.
• Bezier curves, for realistic smooth curves.
• Eyedropper to change any pixel color into another
• Raster tools and effects.

IMPRESS

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.

• Exploits all the effects and graphics tools from Draw
• AutoPilot helps you get your ideas down just how you want them.
• AutoLayout makes sure your presentations look professional.
• A number of slide effects add an extra spark to your presentation.

Database User Tools

The Database User Tools give you all the tools you need for day to day database work in a simple spreadsheet-like form. They support dBASE databases for simple applications, or any ODBC or JDBC compliant database for industrial strength database work.

• Create new tables for your data - and also change them as your needs change
• Maintain indexes on the tables to make data access faster
• View a table in an editing grid and add, change, and delete records
• Use the Report AutoPilot to produce impressive reports from your data¹
• Use the Form AutoPilot to create 'instant' database applications