Matt's Firefox extensions did pretty well so I thought I'd bring this up.One day, I was extremely frustrated with how Microsoft Word locking all the time so I went to look for an alternative.I came across Sun Microsystem's website. Openoffice.org is a FREE Microsoft Office alternative. You just download and install. All the functions are exactly the same as Office. The toolbars and everything are basically alike. If you are familiar with Office, there's a 5 minute learning curve tops.From CNET.com...<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>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 2.0.3 offers enhanced compatibility with Office files, new email integration, and improved language support.</div>I think it's close to as being good, if not better than Microsoft Office.TIP: <u>You must save all files as Microsoft Office style files if you want Office compatability!!</u> Click "Save As" and choose the proper setting (ex. for Word documents, it will say Microsoft Word 98/2000/XP .doc). This is so then if you are presenting a PowerPoint you made in Openoffice.org, you can play it using Microsoft Office.I've found all compatability perfect so far. I definately prefer it over Microsoft Office because it's free and works just as well.You can download it from http://www.download.com/OpenOffice-org/300...tml?tag=lst-0-1 or www.openoffice.org.
Open Office isn't even good open-sorce. It works for some of it but AbiWord is tons better for a Word alt Chang. Tons. Open-Sorce is the best.
