openoffice
Work
OpenOffice.org Screenshots Preview A Ribbon-Like Toolbar
12:40AM Kevin Purdy | Sun Microsystems’ OpenOffice.org developers have posted prototype screenshots and demonstrations, and while the toolbar content and look could likely change, the commenters are not apparently happy with the very Microsoft-Office-like “ribbon.” Some argue the look doesn’t play well on non-Windows systems, and others say it’s just another learning curve for the noble-intentioned, but often disadvantaged, open source office suite. Let’s hear what you think of the prototype, or where else Sun should look for design ideas, in the comments. [via Slashdot]
Work
OpenOffice.org 3.1 Has Smoother Drawing And Usability Tweaks
1:00AM Kevin Purdy | Windows/Mac/Linux: It hit the servers two days ago, but OpenOffice.org 3.1 is now in official release. The open-source office suite focused on anti-aliased drawing and usability tweaks for this release, which we’ve quickly previewed below. More »
Work
OpenOffice.org 3.1 Available At A Server Near You
10:40PM Kevin Purdy | It’s not official, but OpenOffice.org 3.1, a bug-fixing and feature-adding release of the open-source office suite, can now be found and downloaded. More »
Work
Upgrade To OpenOffice 3 Online With Ulteo
7:28AM Lifehacker US Edition | If you want to try out the new release of open-source office application OpenOffice 3 without having to install it, you can check it out in your browser thanks to Ulteo Onine Desktop. Sign up for free to access a full-feature version of the software in your browser, and try it out for up to 25 minutes a session (paid accounts start at $US6.50 a month). ArsTechnica has an updated review of OpenOffice 3 via Ulteo, and say the new version running is a tad snappier than the previous one. More »
Fix
10:18PM Angus Kidman | OpenOffice offers a fine word processor for users of the ever-popular Eee PC, but sadly the default shipping OS doesn’t offer any spell checker at all, let alone an Australian one. Fix that problem by following these steps.
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Teach your Eee’s OpenOffice to spell in Australian
10:18PM Angus Kidman | OpenOffice offers a fine word processor for users of the ever-popular Eee PC, but sadly the default shipping OS doesn’t offer any spell checker at all, let alone an Australian one. Fix that problem by following these steps.
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Publisher Extension Makes Wikis Editable in OpenOffice
6:40AM Kevin Purdy | Windows/Mac/Linux (OpenOffice): The Sun Wiki Publisher, a free extension for the OpenOffice.org office suite, lets you edit and contribute to any MediaWiki-based page on the web, assuming it accepts anonymous editing or you have credentials. The real benefit lies in being able to use OpenOffice’s styling tools—bolding, lists, tables, and the like—instead of having to remember the MediaWiki markup style. Creating a new page is relatively simple, but editing an existing page requires, at least with this version, copying and pasting an article in Writer, then sending it to the wiki for updating. For those rocking their own wiki web pages (or thumb drives), this extension might make a nice go-between. The Sun Wiki Publisher is a free download, works wherever OpenOffice.org does. Sun Wiki Publisher [via Linux.com] More »
OpenOffice 3.0 Beta Now Available, Adds Native OS X Support
10:00PM Kevin Purdy | Windows/Mac/Linux (all platforms): OpenOffice.org, the free office application suite, has released a beta of its 3.0 version to the public with a few key features rolled in. The biggest update is native support for Mac OS X platforms, meaning no need to install X11 packages on older Macs or switch to NeoOffice for a smoother experience (although NeoOffice plans to release a 3.0 of its own, so stay tuned). OpenOffice also adds built-in conversion filters for Office 2007/Mac Office 2008 files, a new “solver” function for spreadsheets, enhanced notes and viewing options in Writer, and other enticements for those willing to risk a few bugs. OpenOffice.org 3.0 beta is a free download for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux systems. OpenOffice.org 3.0 beta More »
Open Office 2007 Documents in OpenOffice with OpenXML Translator
12:00PM Kevin Purdy | Linux only: Expand OpenOffice.org’s document opening, saving, and conversion powers to Office 2007 documents with the OpenXML Translator, a free plug-in intended for Ubuntu systems (although other Debian-based systems might be able to use it as well). Grab a package for your 32- or 64-bit system, install it (hitting the via link if you need help with that) and OpenOffice will be able to read and save files to the .docx format. Conversion from Microsoft Office-authored files remains hit-and-miss, but it’s a nice step forward for the free and open-source office suite. The OpenXML translator is a free download for Linux systems only. OpenOffice.org OpenXML Translator [via Hacktivision Lite] More »
OpenOffice.org Impress 2.4 showcases 3D OpenGL transitions
1:30PM Sarah Stokely | The OpenOffice.org ninja has made this YouTube video to show off the new 3D OpenGL transitions which are available in OpenOffice.org Impress 2.4 presentation software.This was a Google Summer of Code 2007 project by Shane Mathews. More info here. More » 
