OpenOffice.org 4.1.2
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Calc
Impress
Draw
Base
Math
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Suite
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Apache OpenOffice Product Description
Compatible with other major office suites, Apache OpenOffice is free to download, use, and distribute. Download it now, and get:
Apache OpenOffice?
Writer a word processor you can use for anything from writing a quick letter to producing an entire book.
Calc a powerful spreadsheet with all the tools you need to calculate, analyze, and present your data in numerical reports or sizzling graphics.
Impress the fastest, most powerful way to create effective multimedia presentations.
Draw lets you produce everything from simple diagrams to dynamic 3D illustrations.
Base lets you manipulate databases seamlessly. Create and modify tables, forms, queries, and reports, all from within Apache OpenOffice.
Math lets you create mathematical equations with a graphic user interface or by directly typing your formulas into the equation editor.
Why Apache OpenOffice?
Apache OpenOffice is synonymous with quality:
The roots of Apache OpenOffice go back twenty years, creating a mature and powerful product
Many millions of users
Independent reviewers around the world have recommended the product
With a fully open development process, Apache OpenOffice has nothing to hide - the product stands or falls on its reputation
Apache OpenOffice is easy to use:
The software looks and feels familiar and is instantly usable by anyone who has used a competitive product
It's easy to change to Apache OpenOffice - the software reads all major competitors' files
Few language barriers - if it's not yet available in your language, the chances are it will be soon
Apache OpenOffice is supported by a global community of friendly volunteers, happy to provide assistance to newcomers and advanced users alike
Apache OpenOffice is free software:
You may download Apache OpenOffice completely free of any license fees
Install it on as many PCs as you like
Use it for any purpose - private, educational, government and public administration, commercial...
Pass on copies free of charge to family, friends, students, employees, etc.
Apache OpenOffice is standards compliant:
The first software package in the world to use OASIS OpenDocument Format (ISO/IEC 26300) as its native file format.
Apache OpenOffice is the leading open-source office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. It is available in many languages and works on all common computers. It stores all your data in an international open standard format and can also read and write files from other common office software packages. It can be downloaded and used completely free of charge for any purpose.
Great software
Apache OpenOffice is the result of over twenty years' software engineering. Designed from the start as a single piece of software, it has a consistency other products cannot match. A completely open development process means that anyone can report bugs, request new features, or enhance the software. The result: Apache OpenOffice does everything you want your office software to do, the way you want it to.
Easy to use
Apache OpenOffice is easy to learn, and if you're already using another office software package, you'll take to OpenOffice straight away. Our world-wide native-language community means that OpenOffice is probably available and supported in your own language. And if you already have files from another office package - OpenOffice will probably read them with no difficulty.
and it's free
Best of all, Apache OpenOffice can be downloaded and used entirely free of any license fees. Like all Apache Software Foundation software, Apache OpenOffice is free to use. Apache OpenOffice is released under the Apache 2.0 License. This means you may use it for any purpose - domestic, commercial, educational, public administration. You may install it on as many computers as you like. You may make copies and give them away to family, friends, students, employees - anyone you like.
Where is Apache OpenOffice currently used?
Governments
Education
Businesses
Not for profits
IT Businesses
F/OSS advocates
Why Apache OpenOffice: Easy-to-use
Why Apache OpenOffice: Easy-to-use
Easy to choose, easy to install, easy to learn - Apache OpenOffice is the easy choice for an office software suite. OpenOffice is suitable for complete beginners, but if you have used any other office software, that's ok too. OpenOffice will make full use of what you already know - through familiar screens and menus - and also what you have - by reading existing files with no retyping.
Use it immediately
For people used to other office software, Apache OpenOffice is a pleasant surprise. It's so straightforward! Studies have proved it is easier (and cheaper) to move to OpenOffice from Microsoft Office than it is to upgrade to Microsoft's Office 2007. Because OpenOffice is one piece of software, everything works consistently between applications. Even the help system is the same. You don't even have to know which application was used to create a document - OpenOffice will use the correct one. You only need to do a single download from the Internet (or install from one CD) and you've got your office suite
No need to retype
We understand that many people already have documents which they have created using other common office software packages. Apache OpenOffice can read these files with a very high degree of accuracy, making migration to OpenOffice very straightforward. In fact, we have reports where OpenOffice has been able to read files which the original software package had said were corrupted and unusable. If your friends or colleagues use different software, you can still swap files with them - but better still, give them a free copy of Apache OpenOffice!
Part of a community
When you're starting something new, it's great to know tens of millions of people have been there before you. Apache OpenOffice is developed, translated, supported, and promoted by an international community of tens of thousands of enthusiasts. If you have ever waited for ages for paid-for support from a commercial software provider, community support from enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers may come as a surprise. You may even find yourself talking to people who have developed or translated the software you are using. Welcome to the community!
Why Apache OpenOffice: Free software
Why Apache OpenOffice: Free software
Apache OpenOffice is free software. That means you are free to download it, free to install it on as many PCs as you like, free to pass copies to as many people as you like. You may use OpenOffice for any purpose without restriction: private, educational, public administration, commercial... Free, really free.
Free of charge
It's hard to believe that high quality, easy to use software like Apache OpenOffice can really be free. But thanks to contributions of time and money, from individuals and companies (large and small), OpenOffice is free for you to use today. Furthermore, the open-source license used by OpenOffice means this freedom can never be taken away. The OpenOffice community are delighted if you find our software of use. Please help us by telling people about Apache OpenOffice, and if you can, pass them on a copy. More people use OpenOffice as a result of personal recommendation than any other route.
Freedom from worry
However, a free software license means much more than a one-off cost saving. It means you never need worry again whether your software is legal, or whether it will expire some day. For people responsible for a number of computers - from just a few in a small business, hundreds in a school, thousands in a corporation - this is a huge weight off the mind. No need for software audits, for keeping invoices for years, no worry about ending up in court because you misread some small print in a license agreement.
We value your freedom
As part of a community dedicated to free software, we also value your freedom of choice. Apache OpenOffice will read and write files which can be used in other common office software. It was the first software in the world to fully support the ISO standard for office file formats which is being adopted by a growing number of software vendors. If you want to use other software, we want you to be free to do so. If you want to change your PC from Microsoft Windows to Apple Mac to Linux, we want you to be free to do so. If you like this approach, feel free to join the Apache OpenOffice community.
WHERE
Why Apache OpenOffice: Public administrations
Public administrations and people working at all levels of government (local / federal / regional / national etc) find Apache OpenOffice is their ideal software solution. The combination of a flexible word processor, a powerful spreadsheet, dynamic graphics, database access and more meets all the everyday needs of a typical busy office worker.
Already available in a wide range of languages, OpenOffice can be freely translated by local teams.
Best value
Using Apache OpenOffice demonstrates your commitment to deliver best value services. It is not owned by any commercial organisation. Its open source license means there are no license fees to pay, no expensive annual audits, and no worries about non-compliance with onerous and obscure licensing conditions. You may also distribute the software free to your employees, through the schools system, or any other channel of your choice.
Data is safe
Freedom of Information Acts require that the documents you create today will be accessible years in the future. Apache OpenOffice is the first software in the world to use ISO approved file formats as its default. It also has the ability to create PDF files if you need to publish information in a standard 'read only' format. If you already have (possibly unlicensed) office software, Apache OpenOffice should be able to read your old files.
Open for all
There are no secrets in Apache OpenOffice - our open-source policy means anyone can inspect the code or even help us develop the software. We actively encourage local teams to produce versions for minority languages. OpenOffice is a leading international force in the movement for digital inclusion - making software of the highest quality available to all, regardless of income.
Why Apache OpenOffice: Education
Why Apache OpenOffice: Education
Education establishments of all levels (primary, secondary, college, university...) find Apache OpenOffice meets the needs of both teachers and students. The flexible word processor, powerful spreadsheet, dynamic graphics, database access and more meet all requirements for an office software package.
With an open-source license, OpenOffice can be freely used and distributed with no license worries.
For pupils and students
Apache OpenOffice forms an ideal teaching platform for core computer literacy skills, without tying students to commercial products. The free software license means students can be given copies of software to use at home - perfectly legally - a useful 'added value'. For IT students, OpenOffice's component based software is also an ideal platform for developing IT skills and understanding real-life software engineering.
For teachers and academics
Apache OpenOffice is also an ideal platform for creating teaching materials and managing administrative tasks. For example, the Writer word processor is easy to use for simple memos, but also powerful enough to cope with complex dissertations. For IT staff, the open-source software license means an end to license compliance worries and the threat of software audits. OpenOffice is developed, translated, and supported by an international community linked by the internet, opening exciting possibilities for school projects.
Open for all
Apache OpenOffice is a leading international force in the movement for digital inclusion - making software of the highest quality available to all, regardless of income. OpenOffice is available in a wide variety of languages, and we actively encourage local teams to produce versions for local languages. We develop software on an open-source process - the computing equivalent of peer-reviewed publishing - creating software of the highest quality.
Why Apache OpenOffice: Enterprises
Why Apache OpenOffice: Enterprises
Enterprises from corner-shops to corporate giants are turning to Apache OpenOffice to power their businesses. The flexible word processor, powerful spreadsheet, dynamic graphics, database access and more meet all the requirements for an office software package.
OpenOffice offers a high degree of compatibility with commercial office software, but with none of the costs or license worries.
The no-hassle answer
For small businesses, IT is a hassle and an expense. Apache OpenOffice is simply the easiest and cheapest way of providing the essential software tools required to support a growing business. Developed over twenty years, OpenOffice is a mature, stable, product, guaranteeing trouble-free usage. Behind the scenes, it stores all your valuable data in a format approved by the International Organization for Standardization - the first software package in the world to meet this exacting standard. As more companies adopt the standard, exchanging data between office software, accounting software, planning software - any software - will become as easy as saving and opening a file. No transcription errors, no typing the same information twice - no hassle computing.
Better but compatible
Apache OpenOffice prides itself on its compatibility with other office software. Companies moving to OpenOffice simply take their existing files with them. In fact, changing to OpenOffice may be a simpler process than having to upgrade because your commercial software vendor has brought out a new version. OpenOffice also understands that no business is an island, which is why it can exchange files with other office software - for example, the one your accountants use. It also allows you to create PDF files for those all-important times when you want to retain control of documents after they leave your office.
Open for business
Amazingly, Apache OpenOffice comes without any license fees, or any worrying small print. You can install it on as many computers as you like, use it for any purpose, and even give copies away for employees to use at home. No more threats of heavy-handed software audits disturbing your business. You don't even have to worry about what to install - OpenOffice is one complete package. If you need extra languages, simply install them.
Why Apache OpenOffice: Not for Profit
Why Apache OpenOffice: Not for Profit
Not for Profit (NFP) organizations of all sizes are turning to Apache OpenOffice - software that meets their needs and shares their values. The flexible word processor, powerful spreadsheet, dynamic graphics, database access and more meet all the requirements for an office software package.
OpenOffice offers a high degree of compatibility with commercial office software, but with none of the costs or license worries.
Software for all
More than ever, NFPs need to be able to compete for attention in a crowded marketplace. With Apache OpenOffice, NFPs have access to essential office software which is every bit as good as the expensive commercial tools used by those for whom money is no object. Developed over twenty years, OpenOffice is a mature, stable, product, guaranteeing trouble-free usage. OpenOffice is a leading international force in the movement for digital inclusion - making software of the highest quality available to all, regardless of income. Join in OpenOffice's international community to exchange ideas, look for inspiration, or just ask for help.
Better but compatible
Apache OpenOffice prides itself on its compatibility with other office software. NFPs who rely on voluntary workers appreciate the fact that people who have any office software experience are immediately at home with OpenOffice. OpenOffice also understands that no organization is an island, which is why it can exchange files with other office software. It also allows you to create PDF files for those all-important times when you want to retain control of documents after they leave your office. It is also the first software in the world to store your precious information in an ISO approved format - the best guarantee for the future.
Open world
Amazingly, Apache OpenOffice comes without any license fees, or any worrying small print. You can install it on as many computers as you like, use it for any purpose, and even give copies away for employees, supporters, etc. to use at home. Already available in a wide variety of languages, OpenOffice actively encourages local teams to provide more translations. For NFPs - charities, voluntary sector organizations, etc - OpenOffice is simply the easiest and cheapest way of providing the essential software tools needed for an effective operation.
Why Apache OpenOffice: IT business
Why Apache OpenOffice: IT business
Build your business around Apache OpenOffice. If you're in the IT business, OpenOffice can mean good business for you. The flexible word processor, powerful spreadsheet, dynamic graphics, database access and more meet all the requirements for an office software package.
Use OpenOffice to add value for your clients, free of license costs and onerous licensing conditions.
Unbeatable value add
Although it's the big name software companies that capture the headlines, shipping the box is only a small part of the equation. For the majority of users, it's other people who provide the value add: the people running training courses, writing user guides, providing support, integrating systems, providing niche-market add-ons... For all of these businesses, Apache OpenOffice provides an unbeatable value proposition. No longer do you have to spend a large chunk of your client's budget on software licenses. With OpenOffice, you can offer office software of the highest quality at no cost.
Open for adoption
For developers and systems integrators, Apache OpenOffice is as open as its name implies. Starting at the file level, it is the first software package in the world to fully support ISO/IEC 26300 OpenDocument file format (ODF). As more companies adopt the standard, exchanging data between office software will become as easy as saving and opening a file - a system integrator's dream. For developers, Apache OpenOffice offers a range of options, from extensions - in a variety of programming languages - through to use of the full OpenOffice component based architecture.
Open for business
Apache OpenOffice prides itself on its compatibility with other office software, both in the way it works and in the files it uses. So offering OpenOffice doesn't close off options for your clients - in fact, it opens up new opportunities for them. Amazingly, OpenOffice comes without any license fees, or any worrying small print. You can pre-install it on computers, ship it on CDs, include it in books, put it on the cover of magazines... and, you don't need to say We recommend Apache OpenOffice on all your advertising.
Why Apache OpenOffice: Free/Open-Source Software
Why Apache OpenOffice: Free/Open-Source Software
Free/Open-Source Software (F/OSS) proponents are turning to Apache OpenOffice both as end-users and as contributors. With its flexible word processor, powerful spreadsheet, dynamic graphics, database access and more, OpenOffice is the office suite of choice of millions of users.
OpenOffice is released under the OSI approved Apache License terms, with over 750 contributors and an international community approaching 400,000 individuals.
Software for all
Apache OpenOffice is the must-have desktop application that tens of millions of people are using - an open-source tool that your family, friends, and neighbors will appreciate. With its free software license and active international community, OpenOffice is a key player in the drive to eradicate digital exclusion and preserve minority languages threatened by being on the wrong side of the digital divide. For tens of thousands of community members, this makes the OpenOffice community their volunteering opportunity of choice.
Open for development
Apache OpenOffice is a mature software product, representing over twenty years' continuous development. It is available across multiple operating systems. Understanding and contributing to the core development requires serious commitment and software engineering skills - not for the fainthearted. However, like all successful open-source projects, OpenOffice has an active developer community, keen to help new arrivals. Alternatively, try writing extensions, or using OpenOffice's UNO based components in other applications.
Open world
If you are using Apache OpenOffice, you will appreciate the work that has gone into providing this software for you to use for free. Help us to ensure future users can continue to use it for free. The OpenOffice community invites contributors: Whatever you do best, do it for OpenOffice. As well as developers, the Community welcomes translators, artists, technical authors, testers, people offering user support, sales and marketing people, lobbyists, donors, ... the list is long. The Community operates internationally in all time zones, linked by the internet. Talk to us today.
Reading ODF Documents (*.odt, *.ods, *.odp) with Apache OpenOffice
Why Apache OpenOffice: OpenDocument Format
"Windows cannot open this file"
Does this look familiar?
When you try to open an ODF (Open Document Format) document, but you have no application installed that understands ODF, then Windows gives you the above dialog box and offers to show you other applications that can read ODF.
If this happened to you, then we can help. Apache OpenOffice is the award-winning, free office suite that can read ODF documents, as well as Microsoft documents.
What are ODF documents?
ODF is an ISO International Standard format for office documents, created in 2006. ODF files have the following file extensions:
*.odt (word processor documents)
*.ods (spreadsheet documents)
*.odp (presentation documents)
The advantage of ODF is that it is not tied to any one office application suite. It is an open standard that any company can implement in their software. OpenOffice uses ODF format as its default document format. Most other word processors, of recent vintage, also have the ability to import and export ODF.
Apache OpenOffice
Apache OpenOffice is the leading open-source office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. It is published by the non-profit Apache Software Foundation. OpenOffice is available in many languages and works on all common computers. OpenOffice can work with ODF documents as well as documents from other common office software packages. It can be downloaded and used completely free of charge for any purpose.
If you want to read more about Apache OpenOffice, you can look here.
So what do I need to do to read my ODF document?
Download Apache OpenOffice and install it on your machine. It only takes a few minutes to download and install. Once you have it installed you will be able to read and write ODF documents.
Compliance Costs and the Apache License
The Apache OpenOffice Compliance Advantages
As you probably already know, you don't own software in the same way you own a chair or a desk. Instead, you license the software from the publisher; this gives you permission to use the software, but only under terms specified by the license.
In the case of Apache OpenOffice, this license is the Apache Software License 2.0, a free and open source software license. Like other open source licenses, the Apache License explicitly allows you to copy and redistribute the covered product, without any license fees or royalties.
The Apache License is a permissive license: companies and individual developers who create derivative products of OpenOffice can do so free of any constraints on the license to apply to the derivative product they release.
This makes OpenOffice an excellent choice for users and developers who want to avoid compliance woes and related risks and costs.
For Users: Reduced Software License Compliance Costs
In the case of commercial software, the licensing terms typically say how many users or PC's may access the software. The terms might even include a clause allowing the vendor to audit your usage of the software.
In order to avoid the expense and penalties of an audit from the Business Software Alliance (BSA), including those originated by employees turning in their employer for software piracy, organizations are increasingly adopting Software Asset Management (SAM) practices to ensure that their use of commercial software complies with the applicable licenses. These practices generally include employee education along with the purchase of software to track licenses and software use within the organization.
The combined cost of these SAM practices is the "cost of compliance" for using commercial proprietary software products. It is an expense that does not make your organization more productive. It is purely risk mitigation. Along with license, maintenance and training costs, it is one of the expenses of using commercial software.
Open source software like Apache OpenOffice, instead, comes with a license that explicitly permits free redistribution. This reduces the cost of compliance for many organizations, since tracking application usage is not needed.
For Developers: Reduced Constraints on Derivative Products
The permissive nature of the Apache License means that developers and companies distributing derivative products needn't worry about combining their code with the OpenOffice code and releasing derivative products under their license of choice.
The Apache License has no propagative (or "copyleft", or "viral") effects, i.e., it does not influence the license of the derivative product: if you base your product on source code distributed under the Apache License you have no legal obligation of releasing the entire source code tree to the users of the program. All that is required is an attribution of the Apache Licensed source code.
The Apache License thus reduces the need for employee education, the frequency of internal audits, the intensity of internal audits.
http://www.openoffice.org
PRODUCTS
Writer
Calc
Impress
Draw
Base
Math
MORE
Suite
Reviews
Apache OpenOffice Product Description
Compatible with other major office suites, Apache OpenOffice is free to download, use, and distribute. Download it now, and get:
Apache OpenOffice?
Writer a word processor you can use for anything from writing a quick letter to producing an entire book.
Calc a powerful spreadsheet with all the tools you need to calculate, analyze, and present your data in numerical reports or sizzling graphics.
Impress the fastest, most powerful way to create effective multimedia presentations.
Draw lets you produce everything from simple diagrams to dynamic 3D illustrations.
Base lets you manipulate databases seamlessly. Create and modify tables, forms, queries, and reports, all from within Apache OpenOffice.
Math lets you create mathematical equations with a graphic user interface or by directly typing your formulas into the equation editor.
Why Apache OpenOffice?
Apache OpenOffice is synonymous with quality:
The roots of Apache OpenOffice go back twenty years, creating a mature and powerful product
Many millions of users
Independent reviewers around the world have recommended the product
With a fully open development process, Apache OpenOffice has nothing to hide - the product stands or falls on its reputation
Apache OpenOffice is easy to use:
The software looks and feels familiar and is instantly usable by anyone who has used a competitive product
It's easy to change to Apache OpenOffice - the software reads all major competitors' files
Few language barriers - if it's not yet available in your language, the chances are it will be soon
Apache OpenOffice is supported by a global community of friendly volunteers, happy to provide assistance to newcomers and advanced users alike
Apache OpenOffice is free software:
You may download Apache OpenOffice completely free of any license fees
Install it on as many PCs as you like
Use it for any purpose - private, educational, government and public administration, commercial...
Pass on copies free of charge to family, friends, students, employees, etc.
Apache OpenOffice is standards compliant:
The first software package in the world to use OASIS OpenDocument Format (ISO/IEC 26300) as its native file format.
Apache OpenOffice is the leading open-source office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. It is available in many languages and works on all common computers. It stores all your data in an international open standard format and can also read and write files from other common office software packages. It can be downloaded and used completely free of charge for any purpose.
Great software
Apache OpenOffice is the result of over twenty years' software engineering. Designed from the start as a single piece of software, it has a consistency other products cannot match. A completely open development process means that anyone can report bugs, request new features, or enhance the software. The result: Apache OpenOffice does everything you want your office software to do, the way you want it to.
Easy to use
Apache OpenOffice is easy to learn, and if you're already using another office software package, you'll take to OpenOffice straight away. Our world-wide native-language community means that OpenOffice is probably available and supported in your own language. And if you already have files from another office package - OpenOffice will probably read them with no difficulty.
and it's free
Best of all, Apache OpenOffice can be downloaded and used entirely free of any license fees. Like all Apache Software Foundation software, Apache OpenOffice is free to use. Apache OpenOffice is released under the Apache 2.0 License. This means you may use it for any purpose - domestic, commercial, educational, public administration. You may install it on as many computers as you like. You may make copies and give them away to family, friends, students, employees - anyone you like.
Where is Apache OpenOffice currently used?
Governments
Education
Businesses
Not for profits
IT Businesses
F/OSS advocates
Why Apache OpenOffice: Easy-to-use
Why Apache OpenOffice: Easy-to-use
Easy to choose, easy to install, easy to learn - Apache OpenOffice is the easy choice for an office software suite. OpenOffice is suitable for complete beginners, but if you have used any other office software, that's ok too. OpenOffice will make full use of what you already know - through familiar screens and menus - and also what you have - by reading existing files with no retyping.
Use it immediately
For people used to other office software, Apache OpenOffice is a pleasant surprise. It's so straightforward! Studies have proved it is easier (and cheaper) to move to OpenOffice from Microsoft Office than it is to upgrade to Microsoft's Office 2007. Because OpenOffice is one piece of software, everything works consistently between applications. Even the help system is the same. You don't even have to know which application was used to create a document - OpenOffice will use the correct one. You only need to do a single download from the Internet (or install from one CD) and you've got your office suite
No need to retype
We understand that many people already have documents which they have created using other common office software packages. Apache OpenOffice can read these files with a very high degree of accuracy, making migration to OpenOffice very straightforward. In fact, we have reports where OpenOffice has been able to read files which the original software package had said were corrupted and unusable. If your friends or colleagues use different software, you can still swap files with them - but better still, give them a free copy of Apache OpenOffice!
Part of a community
When you're starting something new, it's great to know tens of millions of people have been there before you. Apache OpenOffice is developed, translated, supported, and promoted by an international community of tens of thousands of enthusiasts. If you have ever waited for ages for paid-for support from a commercial software provider, community support from enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers may come as a surprise. You may even find yourself talking to people who have developed or translated the software you are using. Welcome to the community!
Why Apache OpenOffice: Free software
Why Apache OpenOffice: Free software
Apache OpenOffice is free software. That means you are free to download it, free to install it on as many PCs as you like, free to pass copies to as many people as you like. You may use OpenOffice for any purpose without restriction: private, educational, public administration, commercial... Free, really free.
Free of charge
It's hard to believe that high quality, easy to use software like Apache OpenOffice can really be free. But thanks to contributions of time and money, from individuals and companies (large and small), OpenOffice is free for you to use today. Furthermore, the open-source license used by OpenOffice means this freedom can never be taken away. The OpenOffice community are delighted if you find our software of use. Please help us by telling people about Apache OpenOffice, and if you can, pass them on a copy. More people use OpenOffice as a result of personal recommendation than any other route.
Freedom from worry
However, a free software license means much more than a one-off cost saving. It means you never need worry again whether your software is legal, or whether it will expire some day. For people responsible for a number of computers - from just a few in a small business, hundreds in a school, thousands in a corporation - this is a huge weight off the mind. No need for software audits, for keeping invoices for years, no worry about ending up in court because you misread some small print in a license agreement.
We value your freedom
As part of a community dedicated to free software, we also value your freedom of choice. Apache OpenOffice will read and write files which can be used in other common office software. It was the first software in the world to fully support the ISO standard for office file formats which is being adopted by a growing number of software vendors. If you want to use other software, we want you to be free to do so. If you want to change your PC from Microsoft Windows to Apple Mac to Linux, we want you to be free to do so. If you like this approach, feel free to join the Apache OpenOffice community.
WHERE
Why Apache OpenOffice: Public administrations
Public administrations and people working at all levels of government (local / federal / regional / national etc) find Apache OpenOffice is their ideal software solution. The combination of a flexible word processor, a powerful spreadsheet, dynamic graphics, database access and more meets all the everyday needs of a typical busy office worker.
Already available in a wide range of languages, OpenOffice can be freely translated by local teams.
Best value
Using Apache OpenOffice demonstrates your commitment to deliver best value services. It is not owned by any commercial organisation. Its open source license means there are no license fees to pay, no expensive annual audits, and no worries about non-compliance with onerous and obscure licensing conditions. You may also distribute the software free to your employees, through the schools system, or any other channel of your choice.
Data is safe
Freedom of Information Acts require that the documents you create today will be accessible years in the future. Apache OpenOffice is the first software in the world to use ISO approved file formats as its default. It also has the ability to create PDF files if you need to publish information in a standard 'read only' format. If you already have (possibly unlicensed) office software, Apache OpenOffice should be able to read your old files.
Open for all
There are no secrets in Apache OpenOffice - our open-source policy means anyone can inspect the code or even help us develop the software. We actively encourage local teams to produce versions for minority languages. OpenOffice is a leading international force in the movement for digital inclusion - making software of the highest quality available to all, regardless of income.
Why Apache OpenOffice: Education
Why Apache OpenOffice: Education
Education establishments of all levels (primary, secondary, college, university...) find Apache OpenOffice meets the needs of both teachers and students. The flexible word processor, powerful spreadsheet, dynamic graphics, database access and more meet all requirements for an office software package.
With an open-source license, OpenOffice can be freely used and distributed with no license worries.
For pupils and students
Apache OpenOffice forms an ideal teaching platform for core computer literacy skills, without tying students to commercial products. The free software license means students can be given copies of software to use at home - perfectly legally - a useful 'added value'. For IT students, OpenOffice's component based software is also an ideal platform for developing IT skills and understanding real-life software engineering.
For teachers and academics
Apache OpenOffice is also an ideal platform for creating teaching materials and managing administrative tasks. For example, the Writer word processor is easy to use for simple memos, but also powerful enough to cope with complex dissertations. For IT staff, the open-source software license means an end to license compliance worries and the threat of software audits. OpenOffice is developed, translated, and supported by an international community linked by the internet, opening exciting possibilities for school projects.
Open for all
Apache OpenOffice is a leading international force in the movement for digital inclusion - making software of the highest quality available to all, regardless of income. OpenOffice is available in a wide variety of languages, and we actively encourage local teams to produce versions for local languages. We develop software on an open-source process - the computing equivalent of peer-reviewed publishing - creating software of the highest quality.
Why Apache OpenOffice: Enterprises
Why Apache OpenOffice: Enterprises
Enterprises from corner-shops to corporate giants are turning to Apache OpenOffice to power their businesses. The flexible word processor, powerful spreadsheet, dynamic graphics, database access and more meet all the requirements for an office software package.
OpenOffice offers a high degree of compatibility with commercial office software, but with none of the costs or license worries.
The no-hassle answer
For small businesses, IT is a hassle and an expense. Apache OpenOffice is simply the easiest and cheapest way of providing the essential software tools required to support a growing business. Developed over twenty years, OpenOffice is a mature, stable, product, guaranteeing trouble-free usage. Behind the scenes, it stores all your valuable data in a format approved by the International Organization for Standardization - the first software package in the world to meet this exacting standard. As more companies adopt the standard, exchanging data between office software, accounting software, planning software - any software - will become as easy as saving and opening a file. No transcription errors, no typing the same information twice - no hassle computing.
Better but compatible
Apache OpenOffice prides itself on its compatibility with other office software. Companies moving to OpenOffice simply take their existing files with them. In fact, changing to OpenOffice may be a simpler process than having to upgrade because your commercial software vendor has brought out a new version. OpenOffice also understands that no business is an island, which is why it can exchange files with other office software - for example, the one your accountants use. It also allows you to create PDF files for those all-important times when you want to retain control of documents after they leave your office.
Open for business
Amazingly, Apache OpenOffice comes without any license fees, or any worrying small print. You can install it on as many computers as you like, use it for any purpose, and even give copies away for employees to use at home. No more threats of heavy-handed software audits disturbing your business. You don't even have to worry about what to install - OpenOffice is one complete package. If you need extra languages, simply install them.
Why Apache OpenOffice: Not for Profit
Why Apache OpenOffice: Not for Profit
Not for Profit (NFP) organizations of all sizes are turning to Apache OpenOffice - software that meets their needs and shares their values. The flexible word processor, powerful spreadsheet, dynamic graphics, database access and more meet all the requirements for an office software package.
OpenOffice offers a high degree of compatibility with commercial office software, but with none of the costs or license worries.
Software for all
More than ever, NFPs need to be able to compete for attention in a crowded marketplace. With Apache OpenOffice, NFPs have access to essential office software which is every bit as good as the expensive commercial tools used by those for whom money is no object. Developed over twenty years, OpenOffice is a mature, stable, product, guaranteeing trouble-free usage. OpenOffice is a leading international force in the movement for digital inclusion - making software of the highest quality available to all, regardless of income. Join in OpenOffice's international community to exchange ideas, look for inspiration, or just ask for help.
Better but compatible
Apache OpenOffice prides itself on its compatibility with other office software. NFPs who rely on voluntary workers appreciate the fact that people who have any office software experience are immediately at home with OpenOffice. OpenOffice also understands that no organization is an island, which is why it can exchange files with other office software. It also allows you to create PDF files for those all-important times when you want to retain control of documents after they leave your office. It is also the first software in the world to store your precious information in an ISO approved format - the best guarantee for the future.
Open world
Amazingly, Apache OpenOffice comes without any license fees, or any worrying small print. You can install it on as many computers as you like, use it for any purpose, and even give copies away for employees, supporters, etc. to use at home. Already available in a wide variety of languages, OpenOffice actively encourages local teams to provide more translations. For NFPs - charities, voluntary sector organizations, etc - OpenOffice is simply the easiest and cheapest way of providing the essential software tools needed for an effective operation.
Why Apache OpenOffice: IT business
Why Apache OpenOffice: IT business
Build your business around Apache OpenOffice. If you're in the IT business, OpenOffice can mean good business for you. The flexible word processor, powerful spreadsheet, dynamic graphics, database access and more meet all the requirements for an office software package.
Use OpenOffice to add value for your clients, free of license costs and onerous licensing conditions.
Unbeatable value add
Although it's the big name software companies that capture the headlines, shipping the box is only a small part of the equation. For the majority of users, it's other people who provide the value add: the people running training courses, writing user guides, providing support, integrating systems, providing niche-market add-ons... For all of these businesses, Apache OpenOffice provides an unbeatable value proposition. No longer do you have to spend a large chunk of your client's budget on software licenses. With OpenOffice, you can offer office software of the highest quality at no cost.
Open for adoption
For developers and systems integrators, Apache OpenOffice is as open as its name implies. Starting at the file level, it is the first software package in the world to fully support ISO/IEC 26300 OpenDocument file format (ODF). As more companies adopt the standard, exchanging data between office software will become as easy as saving and opening a file - a system integrator's dream. For developers, Apache OpenOffice offers a range of options, from extensions - in a variety of programming languages - through to use of the full OpenOffice component based architecture.
Open for business
Apache OpenOffice prides itself on its compatibility with other office software, both in the way it works and in the files it uses. So offering OpenOffice doesn't close off options for your clients - in fact, it opens up new opportunities for them. Amazingly, OpenOffice comes without any license fees, or any worrying small print. You can pre-install it on computers, ship it on CDs, include it in books, put it on the cover of magazines... and, you don't need to say We recommend Apache OpenOffice on all your advertising.
Why Apache OpenOffice: Free/Open-Source Software
Why Apache OpenOffice: Free/Open-Source Software
Free/Open-Source Software (F/OSS) proponents are turning to Apache OpenOffice both as end-users and as contributors. With its flexible word processor, powerful spreadsheet, dynamic graphics, database access and more, OpenOffice is the office suite of choice of millions of users.
OpenOffice is released under the OSI approved Apache License terms, with over 750 contributors and an international community approaching 400,000 individuals.
Software for all
Apache OpenOffice is the must-have desktop application that tens of millions of people are using - an open-source tool that your family, friends, and neighbors will appreciate. With its free software license and active international community, OpenOffice is a key player in the drive to eradicate digital exclusion and preserve minority languages threatened by being on the wrong side of the digital divide. For tens of thousands of community members, this makes the OpenOffice community their volunteering opportunity of choice.
Open for development
Apache OpenOffice is a mature software product, representing over twenty years' continuous development. It is available across multiple operating systems. Understanding and contributing to the core development requires serious commitment and software engineering skills - not for the fainthearted. However, like all successful open-source projects, OpenOffice has an active developer community, keen to help new arrivals. Alternatively, try writing extensions, or using OpenOffice's UNO based components in other applications.
Open world
If you are using Apache OpenOffice, you will appreciate the work that has gone into providing this software for you to use for free. Help us to ensure future users can continue to use it for free. The OpenOffice community invites contributors: Whatever you do best, do it for OpenOffice. As well as developers, the Community welcomes translators, artists, technical authors, testers, people offering user support, sales and marketing people, lobbyists, donors, ... the list is long. The Community operates internationally in all time zones, linked by the internet. Talk to us today.
Reading ODF Documents (*.odt, *.ods, *.odp) with Apache OpenOffice
Why Apache OpenOffice: OpenDocument Format
"Windows cannot open this file"
Does this look familiar?
When you try to open an ODF (Open Document Format) document, but you have no application installed that understands ODF, then Windows gives you the above dialog box and offers to show you other applications that can read ODF.
If this happened to you, then we can help. Apache OpenOffice is the award-winning, free office suite that can read ODF documents, as well as Microsoft documents.
What are ODF documents?
ODF is an ISO International Standard format for office documents, created in 2006. ODF files have the following file extensions:
*.odt (word processor documents)
*.ods (spreadsheet documents)
*.odp (presentation documents)
The advantage of ODF is that it is not tied to any one office application suite. It is an open standard that any company can implement in their software. OpenOffice uses ODF format as its default document format. Most other word processors, of recent vintage, also have the ability to import and export ODF.
Apache OpenOffice
Apache OpenOffice is the leading open-source office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. It is published by the non-profit Apache Software Foundation. OpenOffice is available in many languages and works on all common computers. OpenOffice can work with ODF documents as well as documents from other common office software packages. It can be downloaded and used completely free of charge for any purpose.
If you want to read more about Apache OpenOffice, you can look here.
So what do I need to do to read my ODF document?
Download Apache OpenOffice and install it on your machine. It only takes a few minutes to download and install. Once you have it installed you will be able to read and write ODF documents.
Compliance Costs and the Apache License
The Apache OpenOffice Compliance Advantages
As you probably already know, you don't own software in the same way you own a chair or a desk. Instead, you license the software from the publisher; this gives you permission to use the software, but only under terms specified by the license.
In the case of Apache OpenOffice, this license is the Apache Software License 2.0, a free and open source software license. Like other open source licenses, the Apache License explicitly allows you to copy and redistribute the covered product, without any license fees or royalties.
The Apache License is a permissive license: companies and individual developers who create derivative products of OpenOffice can do so free of any constraints on the license to apply to the derivative product they release.
This makes OpenOffice an excellent choice for users and developers who want to avoid compliance woes and related risks and costs.
For Users: Reduced Software License Compliance Costs
In the case of commercial software, the licensing terms typically say how many users or PC's may access the software. The terms might even include a clause allowing the vendor to audit your usage of the software.
In order to avoid the expense and penalties of an audit from the Business Software Alliance (BSA), including those originated by employees turning in their employer for software piracy, organizations are increasingly adopting Software Asset Management (SAM) practices to ensure that their use of commercial software complies with the applicable licenses. These practices generally include employee education along with the purchase of software to track licenses and software use within the organization.
The combined cost of these SAM practices is the "cost of compliance" for using commercial proprietary software products. It is an expense that does not make your organization more productive. It is purely risk mitigation. Along with license, maintenance and training costs, it is one of the expenses of using commercial software.
Open source software like Apache OpenOffice, instead, comes with a license that explicitly permits free redistribution. This reduces the cost of compliance for many organizations, since tracking application usage is not needed.
For Developers: Reduced Constraints on Derivative Products
The permissive nature of the Apache License means that developers and companies distributing derivative products needn't worry about combining their code with the OpenOffice code and releasing derivative products under their license of choice.
The Apache License has no propagative (or "copyleft", or "viral") effects, i.e., it does not influence the license of the derivative product: if you base your product on source code distributed under the Apache License you have no legal obligation of releasing the entire source code tree to the users of the program. All that is required is an attribution of the Apache Licensed source code.
The Apache License thus reduces the need for employee education, the frequency of internal audits, the intensity of internal audits.
http://www.openoffice.org
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