OpenOffice 3.1.1 is a complete open source office suite containing word processor, spreadsheet, database, presentation and drawing applications. Included is the ability to read and write Microsoft Office formats and create PDF documents, now with over 50 million users worldwide - OpenOffice is being used and loved by the masses! Microsoft Vista Compatible

OpenOffice 3.1.1 aims to compete with Microsoft Office and emulate its look and feel where suitable. It can read and write most of the file formats found in Microsoft Office, and many other applications; an essential feature of the suite for many users. OpenOffice 3.1.1 is a collection of applications that work together closely to provide the features expected from a modern office suite. Many of the components are designed to mirror those available in Microsoft Office. The components available include:

• Writer A word processor similar in look and feel to Microsoft Word and offering a comparable range of functions and tools including the read and writing of .doc files. It also includes the ability to export Portable Document Format (PDF) files with no additional software, and can also function as a WYSIWYG editor for creating and editing web pages in HTML.
• Calc A spreadsheet similar to Microsoft Excel with a roughly equivalent range of features. Calc provides a number of features not present in Excel, including a system which automatically defines series for graphing, based on the layout of the user’s data. Calc is also capable of writing spreadsheets directly as a PDF file and to read and write .xls files.
• Impress A presentation program similar to Microsoft PowerPoint. It can export presentations to Adobe Flash (SWF) files allowing them to be played on any computer with the Flash player installed. It also includes the ability to create PDF files and .ppt files.
• Base A database program similar to Microsoft Access. Base allows the creation and manipulation of databases, and the building of forms and reports to provide easy access to data for end-users. As with Access, Base may be used as a front-end to a number of different database systems, including Access databases (JET), ODBC data sources and MySQL/PostgreSQL. While ooBase can be a front-end for any of the databases available, there is no need for any of them to be installed.
• Draw A vector graphics editor comparable in features to CorelDRAW. It features versatile "connectors" between shapes, which are available in a range of line styles and facilitate building drawings such as flowcharts. It has similar features to Desktop publishing software such as Scribus and Microsoft Publisher.

With Microsoft Office 2007 Professional Edition(Boxed) commanding a RRP of £449.99, users really need to try an alternative. OpenOffice is a free office suite that can give MS Office a good run for the money any day.

Number of CDs: 1

Version : 3.1.1 (Supports Windows, Linux, Mac OS X and Solaris)

Release date: 31/08/2009