Okay, so I have just updated and rebuilt my computer and am in the process of installing software goodies. I have been directed to look at OpenOffice.org and am looking to the diverse experience and intellect here at Pixie's for any advice on if it's been tried, used, utilized, abused, neglected or rejected. Have you seen or heard of it?

Here's their quick sell benefits and features... first off it's FREEWARE!

OpenOffice.org 2 - Product Description

Compatible with other major office suites, OpenOffice.org is free to download, use, and distribute. Download it now, and get:

Writer(Word like) – a word processor you can use for anything from writing a quick letter to producing an entire book.
Calc(Spreadsheet) – a powerful spreadsheet with all the tools you need to calculate, analyse, and present your data in numerical reports or sizzling graphics.
Impress(Presentation) – the fastest, most powerful way to create effective multimedia presentations.
Draw (Vector drawing tool ) – lets you produce everything from simple diagrams to dynamic 3D illustrations.
Base (Database) – lets you manipulate databases seamlessly. Create and modify tables, forms, queries, and reports, all from within OpenOffice.org
Math (Mathematical function creator) – lets you create mathematical equations with a graphic user interface or by directly typing your formulas into the equation editor.

Why OpenOffice.org?

OpenOffice.org is synonymous with quality

* the roots of OpenOffice.org go back twenty years, creating a mature and powerful product
* hundreds of thousands of users participated in the beta testing of version 2
* independent reviewers around the world have recommended the product
* with a fully open development process, OpenOffice.org has nothing to hide - the product stands or falls on its reputation

OpenOffice.org is easy to use

* the software looks and feels familiar and is instantly usable by anyone who has used a competitive product
* it’s easy to change to OpenOffice.org - the software reads all major competitors’ files
* few language barriers - if it’s not yet available in your language, the chances are it will be soon
* OpenOffice.org is supported by a global community of friendly volunteers, only too happy to provide assistance to newcomers and advanced users alike

OpenOffice.org is free software

* you may download OpenOffice.org completely free of any licence fees
* install it on as many PCs as you like
* use it for any purpose - private, educational, government and public administration, commercial...
* pass on copies free of charge to family, friends, students, employees, etc.

OpenOffice.org is standards compliant - certified by OSI as open-standard compliant, and the first software package in the world to use OASIS OpenDocument Format (ISO 26300) as its native file format.

Well if you haven't seen it before now you can check it out. If you have, perhaps you can give me the lowdown and let me know if I will like it as well or better than my Microsoft Office2000 Professional Suite.

Thanks,
Sal

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