Does anyone know about Open office? I think I once used it on my last PC, is it equivalent to microsoft word or am I getting mixed up. I want to recommend it to my grandaughter but don't want to advise her of the wrong one.
Openoffice
I had it until recently. Sure, it is basic compared to Microsoft Office, but it more than coped with my needs.
I would recommend it.
Its a decent, free alternative & is fine for using different file formats.
I use it on my Mac - works fine as far as I am concerned. Microsoft Office for Mac is exhorbitantly expensive so it has been a bit of a God send.
Microsoft Office is ridiculously priced when there is perfectly adequate free programmes such as Open Office.
Has it a word processor thingy where you can do letters/stories etc?
Basically it does everything Microsoft Office does.
Oh good, it must be the one I had in the last PC, thanks all
Quote: Timbo @ May 31 2011, 12:48 PM BSTBasically it does everything Microsoft Office does.
...apart from make the gap between the have nots & Bill Gates even more disgustingly wide! 
At least Gates uses his wealth for good.
I have the xxx rated version, Open Orifice, and it's very good, see's to my every need. I'm always using it.
Quote: chipolata @ May 31 2011, 6:42 PM BSTAt least Gates uses his wealth for good.
Gareth?
Quote: Alfred J Kipper @ May 31 2011, 8:47 PM BSTI have the xxx rated version, Open Orifice, and it's very good, see's to my every need. I'm always using it.
Although it's heavily infected with viruses.
The only thing to watch out for BB is when you save the file formats as its not directly compatible with Office but you can save in Office formats so the files can be opened on other pcs. I think its running a bit behind Office. I don't think its up to 2010 yet so it could cause you problems opening attachments.
That said its fine as a word processing package.
Alternatively, you could give Microsoft the middle finger and download a pirated version of Microsoft Office (and maybe help yourself to a pirated copy of Windows 7 too).
Not that I'm condoning piracy or anything - everyone knows that it's a crime on par with the holocaust.
Just so you know, an alternative is to use the 'cloud' with Google Docs: https://docs.google.com
(I have had nothing but trouble trying to install Open Office. Never managed it in the end.)
Dan