A couple of months ago I did a post about open source software and I listed a sample of programs you might want to try. Today I would like to highlight OpenOffice.org, which is the free office productivity suite that has all of the functionalities of the leading commercial office suites (all the functions you would use anyway). Here’s an overview of what comes with it.

Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentations, Drawing, & More

OpenOffice has as many functions as you would need. You can type up a word processing document, create a spreadsheet with formulas, or make up a slide show presentation. There is also a drawing program that allows you to create diagrams for presentations, a database program, and even a math program. Here’s a screenshot of the Writer program:

As you can see, the interface is very similar to Microsoft Word 2003, and many of the functionalities are the same.

Multiple Document Formats

OpenOffice.org allows you to create and save documents in its own Open Document Format (ODF), but it also allows you to save things in Microsoft and Adobe PDF formats as well, which means that you can have all the functionality of an expensive, proprietary software program at no financial cost. I would encourage anyone who needs an up-to-date office program, but doesn’t have the means to go out and buy one, to seriously consider OpenOffice as an option!

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