While open Office 3 has already been out for a LONG time, I thought I’d still do a quick review of what a like about it.
1. Office 2008 compatibility
When Microsoft office 2008 came out with its new and distinctive marmite-esque ribbon layout, it also wheeled out a new document format, the most common of which is .d0cx. (Obviously should this be taken to its logical conclusion, my children will be saving word files as a .docxxxxxxxx). But not to fear, Open office can now open all of the new micirsoft office file types almost perfectly.
2. Export to PDF
If you feel the irresistible urge to save your documents in the quazi-homophoicly named PDF format you can do that now on Open Office as well. this feature was hidden away before, but now it has a prominent shortcut on the standard toolbar.
3. Improved notes feature
In previous version of open office annotations were absent or very poorly supported. Now the notes are displayed on the side. there are also colour coded to show which user posted the note and the date ant time are displayed as well.
4. New icons
While I’m obviously not one to put style over substance, it’s nice to see that all the icons have been redesigned, and the while UI is becoming a bit easier to use.
5. Macro support
Open office now supports macros which is a welcome addition.
So there it is; open office is going from strength to strength, and while I focused on open office writer in this post there are also many additions to other programs in the suite.
