OpenOffice.org

What is OpenOffice.org?

Apache OpenOffice is a free office suite descended from the proprietary StarOffice. Sun Microsystems open-sourced it in 2000 as a Microsoft Office alternative. It reached version 1.0 in 2002. Development slowed significantly after Sun's acquisition by Oracle, leading many users to migrate to the more active LibreOffice fork.

This tool targets users needing basic document creation, spreadsheets, and presentations without paying for a license. It is suitable for individuals or organizations that specifically require OpenOffice.org file compatibility or prefer its interface layout over LibreOffice. It remains a viable option for simple office tasks where modern features are not critical.

Compared to Microsoft Office, it feels dated but functional. The interface is straightforward, though less polished than modern Windows tools. File compatibility is generally good for basic formats, but complex layouts or advanced macros may not translate perfectly. It lacks the cloud integration and modern design of current Office suites.

Best for: Users who specifically need OpenOffice.org file compatibility or prefer its interface over LibreOffice.

Key features of OpenOffice.org

• Writer for word processing
• Calc for spreadsheets
• Impress for presentations
• Draw for vector graphics
• Base for database management
• Math for formula editing
• Support for ODF and DOC/DOCX formats
• Mail merge functionality

Tips for Windows users

Save your files in ODF format for best compatibility, though DOCX works for basic documents. Shortcuts are similar to Microsoft Office, such as Ctrl+C for copy and Ctrl+V for paste. Expect some differences in how complex tables or text boxes render when opening MS Office files. Check your macro settings if you use VBA, as support is limited compared to native MS Office.