OpenOffice: Basics

WHAT IS  OpenOffice

• Software product: A suite of 6 programs that perform the same or similar tasks as those in Microsoft Office.

  AND

• Website: location on the web where this software can be downloaded.

Yes!
The LGPL (GNU Lesser General Public License) license means you can:
install it on any number of computers
use it for any purpose
make copies and give them away
More info at: www.gnu.org/copyleft/lesser.html

Writer (word processor)
Create letters, books, reports, newsletters, brochures, and more.
Insert graphics and objects from other components into Writer documents.
Save files as Web page, PDF, Microsoft Word files.

CALC
Over 300 functions.
2-D and 3-D charts.
Open and work with Excel workbooks
Save in Excel format.
Export to .pdf and Web pages formats

IMPRESS
Special effects, animation, and drawing tools.
Draw and Math components.
Text effects, sound and video clips.
Save As Microsoft PowerPoint file
Save to web compatible automated/movie formats

FILE FORMATS
Open Document Format, or .odf
Default file type
Not recognized by Microsoft programs
Open and Save As other formats, including:
.doc (Microsoft Word 98/2000/XP)
.ppt (Microsoft PowerPoint 98/2000/XP)
.xls (Microsoft Excel 98/2000/XP)
.pdf (Adobe Acrobat)

WHERE TO GET IT
Computer + Internet = download it directly to your hard drive.
Computer – Internet = use the library’s network and a blank DVD/CD or a flash drive with at least 800 MB empty space