Sun Microsystems

[stiles watson]

Has anyone worked with OpenOffice software as an alternative to Microsoft Office? Can you compare and contrast?

[OntMont]

I tried to answer this once already, but somehow I lost the message, so here is my second attempt:

Yes, I use Open Office on my Mac. (There is a version of MS Office for Macs)

I find it to be as fully featured as MS Office, and possibly a little more user-friendly. I will temper that by saying, I am not a power user by any means, and have not explored all features of either program. For the money (free) I don't think you can go wrong.

You might also want to take a look at Google Docs. This not as fully featured as either of the above programs, but is very handy for home use. Since it is Web-based, you can use it and access your documents from any internet connected computer.

Hope this is of some help.

On edit: BTW, Open Office can open MS Office documents and save documents in MS Office formats.

[stiles watson]

After I posted, I did down load the suite and fiddled with it a bit. I think the transfer and learning curve will be relatively short. Like you, I really like the price (free). Over the years I have lined Bill Gates pocket often enough. He got some more when we bought this new laptop with Windows Vista and Microsoft Works installed.

I decided not to buy Microsoft Office and go with Open Office. The new version is 3.0 and is supposed to be more Word compatible. We will see.

[Parrothead]

Not to put a damper on your enjoyment but be cautious of Sun. Speaking from experience as a IT director.
Happy trails....................

[Waynem]

Having worked at, and retired from, NASA for many years, we used all kinds of operating systems, including the Sun Systems.

All systems have their peculiarities, problems, etc. What is good is what you are used to. People are resistant to change until they become comfortable with the new change, then they become resistant to change again.

I have used Open Office for several years on the PC and for two years on the iMac. I have had not problems opening MS Office documents and saving them in Open Office format. The GUI is a little different and that is where the learning curve comes in, but is very doable, especially with the "help" feature.

Open Office is totally supported by open source software. If a person has the mind to create a module that will help the software, it can be submitted. It will be evaluated and if accepted, incorporated into the next release. The reason that it is a free software is because it is open source.

Most "bad guys," do not bother with trying to circumvent security with open source software, well, in my days they didn't.

Also, most web sites, forums, etc., are powered by MySql Database, which is open source, and pretty good security if managed right.

For the price, you can't beat Open Office.