Open Office or Microsoft Office 2003?

Computer Help and Discussions The Lounge
1

Should I switch to OpenOffice? I really don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on Office 2007, so what do you guys think? Should I switch?

2
Should I switch to OpenOffice? I really don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on Office 2007, so what do you guys think? Should I switch?

I use OpenOffice and its awesome ;) Use the money to something else :D

3

What is it like? Have you had any problems? Does it correctly open, save, edit Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint files? Is it fully compatible with MS Word, Excel, and Powerpoint files?

4

If you already have MS Office 2003 then don't bother with openoffice.

Openoffice is sufficient for a lot of users(I would argue students is where its best suited) but if you have the cash then its worth paying the $100-150 for the home edition of office. Its just a much better experience and you dont have to worry about compatibility(especially with excell and powerpoint).

I love office 07 and wouldn't want to go back to 2003. The ribbon is an awesome design and it makes things a lot easier to do.

5

ditto on what rridgely said.

6

Being an MS Office user myself I could never really switch to OpenOffice when using a Windows-based system, it's just too difficult to make the leap to it. However if I was on another system other than Windows then the choice of using OpenOffice would be rather obvious.

7

Well, with a 3|1 vote, I'm going to be sticking with MS Office.

8
Well, with a 3|1 vote, I'm going to be sticking with MS Office.

Don't be swayed by us. ;) You really should try out OpenOffice to make the decision your own personal one, hence you'll never know unless you try it. Just remember to make a System Restore point before installing it in case you want to immediately get rid of it and/or track the installation with an install watcher like Total Uninstall (Last Freeware Version), or ZSoft Uninstaller to better aid in its removal.

9

I have used both... I currently use Office 2003. I think you get the picture. OpenOffice isn't terrible by any means. I just had a better experience with MS Office than I did with OpenOffice.

Keith

10

I agree aswell,

Try it yourself, it does work quite well, but if you already own office you may find it hard to switch.

Don't forget open office doesn't include an email program so you would have to keep using the previous outlook or use another free email client.

And in my opinion outlook keeps getting better.