One for computer geeks

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 17:37

It seems that when I had my ancient laptop upgraded locally a copy windows office got loaded on, now I have a message that says in two days my office applications will not be recognised by windows, whatever that means.



For some time I have been thinking about alternative office applications and the one I am focussing on is

openoffice.org.



I've read a lot of good reviews but would prefer reccommendations from someone who has actually used it, my preferred browser is firefox. Also if I do change to openoffice would I have any problems with windows? I'm on xp.



Any tips and comments would be appreciated.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 17:53

1 : It means that an illegal copy was installed (with a connection to the Internet, which was plain stupid!) and Microsoft was informed.

2 : OpenOffice will run fine - but check the right version to download for XP. (There may be slight but important differences for Vista and 7).

3 : Don't forget to de-install the application Windows Office *completely* (but not your files!) or you may get problems.

elkiton



Joined: 15/03/2009
Posts: 514

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 18:06

Hi, into my 4th year of using the "free" Open Office suite. If I remember correctly it originally came from Sun Microsystems and was made "open" for Linux / Unix so it has an excellent pedigree, better than Microsoft in my opinion. Not used MS Word for a long time now as Open Office handles spreadsheets, word editor, presentations etc. I do recommend it.

If you look on U-tube for the Google Chrome / Firefox shoot out you will see that the latest Firefox Beta release has about 100x the throughput capacity of Chrome, so Firefox and OO are to me a winning combination, you don't have to unload Word, keep that on as you wish, I have seen no problematic interaction. Look on Wilipedia for the history / digestible detail.

No doubt posting this this will result in a flood of comments saying "OO is S*** and Chrome the best thing since sliced bread", followed by a lecture on how the GNU licence operates, but this is my opinion as a WinXP / Firefox / OO user.

TonyE

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 18:52

I'll cross my fingers, shut my eyes, and give it a go.



If you don't here from me the laptop crashed!

Denny


Joined: 09/12/2010
Posts: 261

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 19:18

Yep, I use Open Office on XP and it's fine and more to the point, free. Ideal for word processing and media work. Much easier than Word for Windows, IMHO.

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 19:35

Newscoop



I swear by openoffice and use the latest version on XP / Windows 7 and Ubuntu - it will recognise all your office stuff..



We have a legit license for Office 2007 on the Windows 7 box and occasionally get as warning about a possible loss of functionality in spreadsheets.. never came across a major prob !



don't hesitate - download it



http://www.openoffice.org/



Good luck and let us know how you got on

cyprusjoker


Joined: 29/08/2009
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 19:50

Well done to all the Geeks for helping Newscoop.

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 19:58

Right guys thanks for all the help, download speeds are chronically slow at this time so I'll try again later and report back.



News.

ataturk


Joined: 09/09/2008
Posts: 712

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 20:23

If you need a free email client as well cos microsoft outlook normally comes with office you can download mozilla thunderbird for free and its better as well.

deputydawg


Joined: 30/03/2010
Posts: 1727

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 21:22

Would be grateful for any knowledgable comments regarding 2 PC anomolies I continue to suffer after a non fix by a professional. I cannot open any picture attachments to e mails received and the link reads something like "some pictures have been deleted to stop the sender gaining details of your PC, to open the pictures click here" Clicking opens nothing. Plus, e mails I retained in "sent items" and "deleted items" have disappeared without deliberately deleting them.