One of the largest open source projects I know of is OpenOffice.org. Many developers from all around the world support OpenOffice.org in different languages. OpenOffice.org is a collection of smaller programs that are comparable to Microsoft Office. Files can be saved in a variety of popular formats such as .doc, .pdf and even Flash.

The following smaller programs are what comprise OpenOffice.org:

Writer is the word processor. You have everything you need to write a quick letter or create a multi-column newsletter. You can open and save to Microsoft Word format (.doc) or if you prefer PDF.

Calc is the powerful spreadsheet. Tools to calculate, analyze, summarize and present numerical data and graphics. You can open and save to Microsoft Excel format.

Impress is the multimedia presentation piece to the puzzle. You can add special effects, animation and draw. You can open and save to Microsoft PowerPoint and also save to Flash.

Draw is a vector based drawing program. You have tools to create everything from a simple diagram to dynamic 3D illustrations. This is not a paint program! Vector based artwork can be enlarged without losing quality or getting the jaggies.

Base is the database program. Like Microsoft Access, you can manipulate database data, create and modify tables, forms, queries and reports.

There are slight differences in working in these programs versus Microsoft programs – like some keyboard shortcuts may not be the same, but if you can adjust to that you could save hundreds of dollars in upgrades.

Download and install the program today just to test out. You will not mess anything up by having both OpenOffice.org and Microsoft Office on your computer. You’d be surprised at what you can do!

Lisa B.
Open Source Maven
WordPress Maven <– Coming Soon!