Has anybody tried Open Office?

[Mokles]

Hi,

 

Since getting a new PC last year I've been managing (only just though) with Microsoft Works word processor, but now I also need to make a spreadsheet. Anyway I came across a free download called Open Office and I just wondered if anybody has any experience of it or if anybody can recommend something similar, but cheaper than, Microsoft Office. :)

[GRANDAD]

Hi, I believe that the OPEN OFFICE is compatible with WIN OFFICE, and has a similar set up.

At zero cost its worth a try.

[KenB]

I have Windows Office and Open Office.

 

Open Office is a fantastic (free) piece of software.

It is compatible with MS Office and will open MS Office files.

 

MS Office however will not open the default file extension used by Open Office.

ODF Text Document (.odt ) - for Word Processed Documents.

 

You can, however, save documents in other formats that MS Office can recognise.

Select from the drop-down menu as normal.

[RandyL]

I love it and have used it for many years. As Ken said compatability with Microsoft Office is not an issue.

 

And it's not just a word processor and spread sheet. It's the full office suite. Heck you can even export as a pdf file and set permissions. The list goes on as to what it can do.

[Mokles]

Thanks for your replies.:)

 

So, if I save the file in a different format which can be opened by Microsoft Office, would older versions of MO be able to open the file Ok?

 

Also, how secure are pdf files?

 

Thanks

[KenB]

If you save the files in MS Word 97 format ..say ( .doc extension ) older versions of MS Office ( Office 2003 for instance ) would be able to open them.

 

how secure are pdf files?

How do you mean?

Are you trying to limit access to PDF files from other people who use the system?

[Mokles]

Thanks KenB

 

If you save the files in MS Word 97 format ..say ( .doc extension ) older versions of MS Office ( Office 2003 for instance ) would be able to open them.

 

 

I was meaning if I save the files in Open Office would older versions of MS Office be able to open them?

 

With regards pdf files I was thinking more of the security of them attached to emails.

[KenB]

Older versions of MS Office would be able to open the Open Office files as long as you take the trouble to save them in a format that can be read by MS Office.

i.e .doc extension for Word documents.

 

Regarding email and PDF attachments:

Take a look here:

http://ask-leo.com/just_how_secure_is_email_anyway.html

 

I don't think attaching PDF is any more or less secure than any other format.

[Mokles]

Thanks, I think that about covers my queries - for now.:)

[KenB]

You are welcome.

 

I am sure you will be more than happy with Open Office.

[Plastic Nev]

Just one thing to mention as I run Open office, and found that open office doesn't like works word 8 files, unless you change them to the older .doc file name extension.

Nev.

[fredjones]

I've been using open office for years - why pay for something when you can get it free!