Viable Microsoft Office replacement

Open Office LogoIn my job it is not uncommon for me to visit with customers and need to be able to access the functionality of Microsoft Office Word or Excel only to find that my customer does not own the Office Suite.   To handle this situation I can either get what I need and email it to myself so that I can use it on my laptop,  connect my laptop to their network and try to get it configured correctly, OR I can go to OpenOffice.org and download their open source (free) suite of applications that are compatible with virtually all that I would ever need.

 The suite of tools include:

  • Writer – This is a Word Processor compatible with Word
  • Calc - The spreadsheet compatible with Excel
  • Impress- Presentation software that is like Powerpoint
  • Draw – Draw diagrams with this one
  • Base – Database application similar to Access
  • Math – Equation/Formula solver

I can highly recommend them and for all but the most complicated of “OFFICE” documents or spreadsheets.  Compatability for me has never been an issue.

About the Author

Bill

I am a project manager for a software company. Currently my focus is on system implementation and training. My background also includes training development including web based and self-paced instructional materials. I have an extensive background in retail information systems including Point of Sale, Inventory Control and Business Management.

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