User Reviews
OpenOffice
OpenOffice is a free, Open Source alternative to MS Office with a Word compatible word processor, a complete Excel compatible spread sheet program and a Power Point like presentation software and ...
Average of 37 user ratings: 
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- Aug 18, 2009
- For version:
- 3.1.0
Awesome product 
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Reading through the reviews here I am surprised to find anything but 5 star ratings. This office suite is worlds above any other freebie and just hairs behind MS office in only certain aspects. OpenOffice.org is a great product that people would do well to adopt as their go to office suite. Opens and saves MS file types too.
Review by: pcs800 (202)
Read all 202 reviews by pcs800
- Aug 16, 2009
- For version:
- 3.1.0
Still needs work
- Interface: 3
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 2
- Value: 5
- Overall:
The old adage rings true here, you get what you pay for. Granted I have given this office suite every opportunity over the course of many years, since 1.0. Regrettably it still fails to impress. The lack of pre-installed templates, clumsy help interface, buggy cursor that jumps around the page unexpectedly, and options that simply won't stick once you uncheck them (how many times must we deselect that annoying Tips or Help Agent popup anyway?). The list goes on. The software does function as advertised, but its like the difference between the store brand cola and a national brand.. they both quench your thirst, but one just leaves you wanting for something more.
Review by: boofby (14)
Read all 14 reviews by boofby
- Feb 19, 2009
- For version:
- 3.0.1
Excellent program...
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
A large program, but works wonderfully well. I use it all the time.
Review by: danleep (2)
Read all 2 reviews by danleep
- Nov 07, 2008
- For version:
- 3.0
Open anything
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
The beauty of Oo is that I can open almost any file anyone sends me - the same can't be said for it's main competitor. The standard version of that competitor costs at least $575 here and that's without the database so I now have only Oo portable installed and have not missed what I used to have. I write a big newsletter every month and can be quite creative with the features supplied by Oo. To those who say it's got a steep learning curve I say that you have a steep learning curve no matter what office product you try. The only fault I have found with Oo is it is way too slow to open but I can happily live with that for the price. It is comforting to know that whatever files I create now I will be able to open 10 years down the track without having to fork out hundreds of dollars in the meantime.
Review by: miskairal (28)
Read all 28 reviews by miskairal
- Oct 11, 2008
- For version:
- 3.0
Stick with ooo 2.4.1 for the time being.
- Interface: 5
- Features: 1
- Ease of use: 1
- Value: 5
- Overall:
OOo 3.0 sure is an eye candy, but when it comes to Features and Ease of Use, it gets a relatively "Poor" rating. One major problem is that it has issues automatically integrating with previous MS Office files. For example, even after installing 3.0, .doc's still open in WordPad and .ppt's weren't associated with any program - meaning, they have that weird "unknown" icon that we all know Windows uses when a file type isn't associated with any software to open it with. Add that to the supposedly "easier" setup UI, there are just too many features that makes 3.0 complicated rather than helpful. It is advised to stick with 2.4.1 for a while, since it appears to be more stable and user-friendly. I would still recommend OOo, just not this version.
Review by: kathy025 (9)
Read all 9 reviews by kathy025
- Sep 11, 2008
- For version:
- 2.4.1
Exceeds Office
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
What bad can be said about this? Even if it's not someone's first choice over MS office or whatever, still, I feel this is likely the largest freeware application that is, well, free. It's uses are limitless, it's a complete replacement for Office, it does anything you need really, oh yeah, and FREE? Yep, likely why MS has lowered Office to 60 bucks for that ultimate steal offer, heh, well, OO is free, not 60 bucks and can do more than MS office in my opinion. Not saying MS office isn't good either, it is, but I feel OO has gone over the freeware limit with this, simply awesome application. Always has been, always will be. You can't go wrong with OO and it's been a lifesaver for MANY people!
Review by: gimpguy (370)
Read all 370 reviews by gimpguy
- Aug 23, 2008
- For version:
- 2.4.1
Flaws noted here.
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
OpenOffice is fantastic! Yet, a few weaknesses do exist. OpenOffice and Microsoft Office are somewhat incompatible. This may be an issue if you must use MS Office for work or school. As a math student, I use OpenOffice exclusively for my notebooks. The OO and MS formula editors are not compatible at all. The OpenOffice formula editor is a struggle to master, while the MS formula editor is -far- more intuitive, flexible, and produces a nicer final document. Why do I use OpenOffice? Price. You can't beat free. (Besides, who likes "Big Brother" Microsoft?) While I've had fewer lockups with OpenOffice, they do happen; usually when trying something weird, such as pasting a frame into a frame or undoing a frame across a page break. (Ninety percent of the time things go off without a hitch.) The lesson is, be it MS or OO, save your work frequently. Verdict: OpenOffice is an outstanding package. Just know that MS and OpenOffice do not play well together.
Review by: Science_1
First post
- Aug 18, 2008
- For version:
- 2.4.0
Speechless
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
When you see almost perfection, for free, what can you say? I really recommend this bundle to all private users, really! As a former professional, I can recommend it! It's not for all newbies, but for those who were slaved to MS office, please take the jump, you won't be disappointed! Congratulations for you all who wrote this masterpiece.
Review by: Jed_Be (2)
Read all 2 reviews by Jed_Be
- Apr 21, 2008
- For version:
- 2.3.1
I agree with all previous reviewers
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 5
- Overall:
You can't beat the features and the price for sure; however, there is a moderate learning curve associated with this software, so just be patient and read the help section if/when you get stuck.
Review by: gusimio (26)
Read all 26 reviews by gusimio
- Jan 07, 2008
- For version:
- 2.2.1
An excellent product
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I love OpenOffice! It puts Microsoft Office Suite to shame. And it is free! I haven`t had any problems with it as of yet. You just have to remember to save your docs in .doc if you want to use them with Microsoft Word. GREAT PRODUCT!
Review by: aliens4mwa
First post
- Oct 06, 2007
- For version:
- 2.2.1
The best.
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
It has so many more features (ver 2.3) than Microsoft's Office has. Yet it's 100% free. So don't wait, just download it now.
Review by: yassertariq (61)
Read all 61 reviews by yassertariq
- Oct 02, 2007
- For version:
- 2.2.1
The best freebie
- Interface: 3
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 5
- Overall:
The Best One Out There.And It's Free.
Review by: MouseChaser (23)
Read all 23 reviews by MouseChaser
- Jun 22, 2007
- For version:
- 2.1
Wow
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
The long and short of it is simple enough. Super, well done, every bit as helpful to me as Ms Office. Show me a better deal for the money and I'll buy it.
Review by: JimWillis (8)
Read all 8 reviews by JimWillis
- Feb 21, 2007
- For version:
- 2.04
Genuine MS Office alternative
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This is truly an excellent office suite program. I highly recommend this software for those of us who desire an outstanding office program without having to pay the high price of MS Office.
Review by: GreyWolf (3)
Read all 3 reviews by GreyWolf
- Jan 27, 2007
- For version:
- 2.04
Highly recommend . . .
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
In fairness to the reader let me say I have been using OOo for about three years. Lately I use only the Writer, but I do use the PDF Converter frequently. I no longer use any other part of the OOo program, i.e., the office tools. I no longer have a need for them. Therefore my opinion on the program is predicated on just the Writer and PDF Converter both of which are excellent. I can construct pages with images and text which when converted to PDF format are nothing short of outstanding. I use Writer for most of my text needs along with Nvu. In fairness to MS Word, yes, I still use it but less and less frequently as OOo seems to be my favorite. OpenOffice now imports and exports other formats nicely which makes it nice to use. I would recommend this program to anyone without a moments hesitation. It is a nice comfortable program to use. Like any software it takes time to become familiar with it, then it is like an old friend. JMM
Review by: JMMannion (19)
Read all 19 reviews by JMMannion
- Jan 24, 2007
- For version:
- 2.04
Who needs office ?
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
OpenOffice 2 is a remarkable package and completely open source with no license limitations, have as many copies as you like for nothing ! For most people it'll do all they want from an office suite and more. I install on all my PCs and I'd love to give it five but for a few small niggles. 1) No grammar check and lord knows I need one, if Microsoft can fit one in the feeble Works package, surely Sun and the open source community can do it ? 2) the database is a huge improvement, but it's not up to Access standard yet, some of the form design tools for example are a pain in the posterior. Office is a good suite, but it's overblown, overspecced and overpriced, try OpenOffice instead it's well worth the effort.
Review by: Belatucadrus (14)
Read all 14 reviews by Belatucadrus
- Jan 23, 2007
- For version:
- 2.04
I really must be dreaming. it's free?
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
There just isn't enough words to describe how beautiful this program really is. I put it right up there with its' predecessor [** Office]. It has so many options and such a wonderful interface. It's fast. It's familiar to anybody who has used big expensive programs like the one mentioned above. I believe you could run a small business with this software! It's also great for Students who need to do homework, then be able to bring it to school and have all of the schools' software read it. COMPATIBILITY is the word! You just have to get this one. You will be a very happy surfer indeed. :o)
Review by: Bighugs (6)
Read all 6 reviews by Bighugs
- Dec 12, 2006
- For version:
- 2.04
Thank god no Microsoft
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Finally an alternative to stupid Microsoft without paying 100's of dollars for its software. The best alternative to Microsoft out there and comes with great features. Just the writer alone is worth the download but then they have Powerpoint and Excel type of programs. Comes with great features and people should spread the word. Download it........now!
Review by: Kmanslick (4)
Read all 4 reviews by Kmanslick
- Dec 12, 2006
- For version:
- 2.04
Sing the praises
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
LA LA LA ... DO DO DO ... LA LA LA! What can I say, Microsoft is in trouble! I've just finished a site install of Open Office and a site UNINSTALL of MS Office! Oh happy days!
Review by: hrwasp (56)
Read all 56 reviews by hrwasp
- Nov 11, 2006
- For version:
- 2.04
Great for small businesses, home users, etc.
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
On a budget? Don't need all the bloated features of popular office suites? Give OpenOffice.org a try. It is very compatible with MSOffice and most users won't have any problems exchanging data with others. This product gets better with each release. The product has an open standard for document format, but I'll admit it means very little right now. We will have to wait and see, but it is a very impressive office suite.
Review by: SithTracy (18)
Read all 18 reviews by SithTracy
- Oct 12, 2006
- For version:
- 2.04
Voodoo for ms office
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Consider OpenOffice a voodoo doll for MS Office. Downloading and using this superb software is not unlike sticking a pin into a Bill Gates or MS Office voodoo doll. I've used OO for over two years now and have not once missed the now uninstalled MS Office. Use OO and keep the ridiculous amount of money demanded for MS Office in your pocket.
Review by: ZenWarrior (15)
Read all 15 reviews by ZenWarrior
- Sep 23, 2006
- For version:
- 2.03
Awesome
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Excellent Alternative. Reads MSOffice files an its free.
Review by: caboing (18)
Read all 18 reviews by caboing
- Feb 11, 2006
- For version:
- 1.15
Get it!
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
As an exclusive user of Microsoft Office for the past 10 years, I was reluctant to switch to anything else. After reading about OpenOffice in numerous publications, I finally decided to give it a try. (What the heck, it's free.) I am pleasantly surprised with this software. It has a slight learning curve from MS Office but I found the menus and options to be very intuitive. I have found no compatibility problems yet with my existing MS files. (OpenOffice will recognize MS files and save them as MS files if you desire.) This package is now my mainstay and I am converting all my MS files to open source format. I am no longer a slave to MS and their expensive, proprietary office suite.
Review by: Tantalus (5)
Read all 5 reviews by Tantalus
- Dec 08, 2005
- For version:
- 1.15
Integration as it was "meant" to be.
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
For those of you who frequently create multi-faceted documents. Particularly, those which may contain illustrations, formats and even the odd colorful diagram. This software suite is for you. BUT, there is more. Supposing you are the one who actually creates the additional data, that I mentioned before? The document may require extracts from a Database perhaps, or a complex drawing with linked text and paragraphs of details. Where do you obtain all this extra workflow. The answer is, you simply click onto that part of the suite, which you need to carry it out. As I said, this suite is so wonderfully integrated that all the parts of the Complex document can be built from right inside the "OpenOffice". This is what makes the Open Office Suite (all six parts (6) of the application) totally rock. Not MS office, or any other application suite that I have used has, or can do so comfortably, what this one does. PulpKult.
Review by: PulpKult
First post
- Nov 12, 2005
- For version:
- 1.15
Excellent freeware program
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Everybody should try this, such a good freeware download. Offers all the same features that the Microsoft suite does, and with fantastic downloads like this available for free, unless you have got the Microsoft programs with your computer it just doesn't seem worth going out and buying it!
Review by: digipaws (14)
Read all 14 reviews by digipaws
- Jun 06, 2005
- For version:
- 1.14
Amazing
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This is the most robust freeware package that I have used. I could load my comments with a lot of comparatives and praises for this very professional work but I would rather just suggest you try it yourself. It just keeps getting better and better.
Review by: AungDin (51)
Read all 51 reviews by AungDin
- May 06, 2005
- For version:
- 1.14
Openoffice + mysql = no need to buy MS office
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
- You can link OpenOffice's SpreadSheet with MySQL Database and use many free tools to design your daabase. No need to buy the inferio software like MS Access. - You can export your files in .pdf format which mean it is harder to have somebody edit or abuse your documents. - Presentation can be exported into Flash file. - You can copy OpenOffice folder to your portable USB drive or memory card ( 256 Mb or bigger is recommended) and you can use it on any computer without need for installation. - It consume less hard disk space when compare with the MS Office "Bloatware". And it work faster too (start up slower but work faster).
Review by: MichaelGabriel
First post
- Jan 14, 2005
- For version:
- 1.13
M$ need not quake in its boots... not yet
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Okay, so this isn't exactly an M$ Office clone. It loads slower and consumes more RAM than M$O, and it doesn't offer a software-based database program (like Access), nor does it have an Outlook clone. BUT, it does offer way more than can be expected at this price ($0). It certainly proved stable enough when I tried it a couple months ago, and its feature set seems ample enough to satisfy most office needs. If you already own a copy of M$O, stick with it. If not, and you don't want to further pad Billy's gargantuan wallet, then download this baby. It can even import (and save) documents in the usual M$O formats (conversion effectiveness is not always 100%, but it's close enough). A real boon to college students or small businesses on a tight budget. Kudos to the OOo team for offering this elaborate piece of software for free.
Review by: EM_745 (29)
Read all 29 reviews by EM_745
- Jan 13, 2005
- For version:
- 1.13
Excellent free office suite
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I have tried OO 1.4 and give it two thumbs up! Now, I am testing OO Ver1.96 which is the beta of final Ver 2.0, and I have to say IT IS AWESOME. The interface is completely redesigned, more functions added, and more... I cannot wait to get their final version 2.0. I have also tried other Free Office Suite, like EasyOffice, 602PC Suite, and RagTiem Solo, but none of them can meet my requirements. Only OpenOffice! OpenOffice rocks!!
Review by: zeroandone (10)
Read all 10 reviews by zeroandone
- Dec 09, 2004
- For version:
- 1.13
Excellent and free ...;
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This is an excellent program. All those who learn "Word" should learn this one instead. It has all one needs to do wordprocessing and etc. Wonderful Package .. Grab it.
Review by: TideWalker (18)
Read all 18 reviews by TideWalker
- Dec 06, 2004
- For version:
- 1.13
Openoffice : everyone should have this one
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
When my office got new computers a few months ago, the tech had Open Office loaded on them. I thought, where's Word? Well I tried OO and found it a useful program especially the PDF converter. If you use a lot of PDF and need a converter this is the one. Otherwise, I missed Word so much I raised enough heck they finally loaded it on my own computer and I now have my life back as I am so used to using Word that I was lost in O O. Mr Mxyplyx
- Dec 04, 2004
- For version:
- 1.13
Far better than microsoft ...
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Why buy Microsoft Office for $ 120 when OpenOffice can do much more for free ? You can even make PDFs !!! Word can't ! And Word crashes every 5 minutes, while OpenOffice Word Processing never crashed once ! This program is amazing ! I just wish they could add more features and compatibility to make the Presentation feature better than Powerpoint (I think they will soon).
Review by: TeXMeX (23)
Read all 23 reviews by TeXMeX
- Nov 19, 2004
- For version:
- 1.13
This is a must have!
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
If you do not have MS Office 2000, this is the next best thing. I had Lotus Suite and hated it! Open Office is the best!!!
Review by: Jam_Co
First post
- Nov 16, 2004
- For version:
- 1.13
Quality office suite
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Openoffice is definitely a quality office suite. I really like the stripped down interface. However it lacks a mail management program like MS Outlook to be truly complete. Another problem is MS Office compatibility with complex files (Macros, graphics, etc...). If you do not exchange files with MS Office users, then Open Office is perfect. Nonetheless it's still a very decent Office Suite, ...RECCOMENDED !
Review by: Philip (8)
Read all 8 reviews by Philip
- Sep 27, 2004
- For version:
- 1.12
Better free word (world?)
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Crossplatform, mac linux & PC Recommended for professional office use too GREAT!
Review by: yuppi21 (3)
Read all 3 reviews by yuppi21
- Jul 11, 2004
- For version:
- 1.12
Open office vs microsoft
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Open Office features ALL of the capabilities of Microsoft Office, and hundreds of extra features. It is FREE, completely. When I switched it automatically loaded up my Text documents, Spreadsheets, Presentations-everything. Try it, you will love it-you won't go back to MS Office. Another fine product from the Linux community (who also made FireFox and Thunderbird). Excellent program.
Review by: Shodan1 (5)
Read all 5 reviews by Shodan1
- Jun 27, 2004
- For version:
- 1.12
Best free office suite
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Like MS Office (fully compatible) and with some extra features (PDF-export with one button)! Amazing it's free. Use it all the without problems. No MS Office for me anymore.
Review by: ickeenderest (2)
Read all 2 reviews by ickeenderest
