Open Office for free or MS Office Ultimate 2007 for $75? I know I wouldn't pay a grand or whatever Office costs retail. But for 75$ it seems ok. Hell I don't even think Patrick Bateman would pay a grand.

 

BTW Office on the cheap is available here but it is only for students and academics.

 

Opinions?

Even if Microsoft Office were free, I'd still prefer Open Office out of the two options. It is the generally faster of the two, and I am happy to support open source software when it works as well as the paid equivalent.

 

That said, I have never needed the full office suite so use a combination of Abiword and Gnumeric - both support office formats and both are tiny in size.

 

I guess it would be easier to make a suggestion if you can explain specifically what your needs are?

I've dabbled with Open Office in the past, but I don't use word processing or spread sheet applications enough to form a major opinion on which is better.

 

The free factor of Open Office certainly makes it seem the sweeter of the two, though.

I prefer MS Office, mainly cause it looks funky. I use open office at work though, and it does everything fine, unless u get an .docx file. I like the MS templates though

I only use Open Office, due to the free factor (of course!) but also I've found it much more stable, and quicker than MS Office.

three/four years ago I ditched MS Office as it went bonkers on me when I tried to add more than two images on one page. (it was 3am and hand-in was 9am)

 

I then used Open Office until I got to try the beta of MS Office 2007. MS Office 2007 is actually a great improvement of the previous version. Some people doesn't like the changed UI, but I find it great. I've found so many more useful features the way it's laid out now. And it doesn't have the problems that bugged me before.

 

So at the moment I'm back with MS Office 2007.

I'm still on Office 2003 and it works for me. I tried OpenOffice a while back but it just seemed too buggy and clunky for my likes - it may have changed/improved but I haven't had the time or need to try it really.

I still use MS Office 2000. Oh yes, I am so modern!

 

I've never had the time to download and try Open Office but it's been tempting me for a while. I'll get a trial by fire in June/July when I buy me an Asus Eee PC 900 (Linux version).

Well, if we're going down into versions.. I prefer Office 97 to all mentioned above

I prefer Apple iWork tbh

I always preffer Microsoft Office...

I've been using OO for years - it's better on Linux that NeoOffice was on the mac though. Quite unstable I thought. It's great on 'nix tho

If you're on windoze, then you're asking for trouble, frankly <mrsnotbanksy>-oh shut up will you and come with me to take the dogs out! </mrsnotbanksy>

What was I saying/ ranting again? Oh yes, just an anti corporatist whinge. Take no notice

 

I'm off to walk the dogs with my mrs!

If you're on windoze, then you're asking for trouble, frankly

Nothing like a bit of Microsoft bashing to end the day, eh?

Nothing like a bit of Microsoft bashing to end the day, eh?

Not Half

I was actually being sarcastic...

[OT] Did anyone read the recent article about Microsoft going off Windows Vista and replacing it with Windows 7 next year — which is apparently a "better version" of Vista. They certainly don't make things easy for themselves, no wonder so many people are bashing them at the moment. That, and the whole Yahoo take over thing.

[OT] Did anyone read the recent article about Microsoft going off Windows Vista and replacing it with Windows 7 next year — which is apparently a "better version" of Vista. They certainly don't make things easy for themselves, no wonder so many people are bashing them at the moment. That, and the whole Yahoo take over thing.

From what I gather, Bill Gates pulled a figure out of his head when he stated next year for Windows 7.. I'm pretty sure the expected release date wasn't going to be for quite a while. But didn't he make that booboo with Vista too? I don't know, it's hard to keep up.

 

Let me just say - as someone who uses Windows out of preference - Vista was one of the biggest mistakes Microsoft has ever made. Right up there with Microsoft Bob.

I was actually being sarcastic...

... I was being sincere.

That, and the whole Yahoo take over thing.

*cue evil laugh*

I already have my own alternative to freecycle ready in the wings for when the takeover occurs. I'll knock those pesky MS folks off the internet if it's the last thing I do

I totally agree with you there, I have nothing against Windows but Vista is one of the worst things to come out of Redmond! I'm so glad they didn't drop support for XP as I've been moving the family computers back to it after the "recommended update" to Vista.

[OT] Did anyone read the recent article about Microsoft going off Windows Vista and replacing it with Windows 7 next year — which is apparently a "better version" of Vista. They certainly don't make things easy for themselves, no wonder so many people are bashing them at the moment. That, and the whole Yahoo take over thing.

 

In 2009? hm.. That'd have to be late 2009 then. But remember that Vista had an unusual long delay. Windows used to be release much quicker. Win95, Win98, WinMe, Win2000, WindowXP

MS really dug them self into a pit with XP as the delay made people very comfortable with XP.

Lol it looks like Peter Molyneux and Bill Gates have traded places ... and if anyone else gets that, join me in wasting time until Fable 2

OpenOffice has it's quirks, but I use it day in, day out and it's not nearly as bad as Word (which I use day in, day out on my laptop). The new Office I hate with a passion, if only because I couldn't get it to save the change to the standard bloody template after a week of trying. Calibri 11pt and 115% spacing is utterly useless. Grrrrr. Plus that stupid new styling bar thing.

 

You can easily use online converters for .docx files, so if I was paying then I wouldn't pay, and use Open Office at a stroke...

Firstly, I use MS Office 2007 for the grand reason that I was given a license to use, so why not? I dislike MS intensely but every time I look into Linux I always find at least one piece of software that I won't be able to use. And the idea of buying a Mac and letting someone else choose what goes inside the box horrifies me!

 

 

[OT] Did anyone read the recent article about Microsoft going off Windows Vista and replacing it with Windows 7 next year — which is apparently a "better version" of Vista. They certainly don't make things easy for themselves, no wonder so many people are bashing them at the moment. That, and the whole Yahoo take over thing.

 

MS have gone back to their original release cycle. The time between XP and Vista (about 5 years i think?) was far too long, so from now on their will be a new release every 1000 days is (roughly 3 years) as their has been before.

Windows 7 isn't a "better version" of vista, it is a completely new OS, stripped right down and it will have a modular install much like linux has for ages. They are getting rid of the System32 folder with all the legacy dlls and implementing a virtualisation framework so that old software will still work on the new OS, but it will be much faster and lighter. Windows 7 is set to become everything XP/Vista should have been. Whether or not they can pull it off is another question!

 

Read all about it:

http://windows7news.com/

http://www.windows7.cc/

http://www.winsupersite.com/faq/windows_7.asp

 

I'm watching and waiting, I wouldn't touch Windows Vista with a pair of rubber gloves

 

From what I gather, Bill Gates pulled a figure out of his head when he stated next year for Windows 7.. I'm pretty sure the expected release date wasn't going to be for quite a while. But didn't he make that booboo with Vista too? I don't know, it's hard to keep up.

 

Let me just say - as someone who uses Windows out of preference - Vista was one of the biggest mistakes Microsoft has ever made. Right up there with Microsoft Bob.

LOL @ MS Bob! Listed for som time as the only thing MS ever innovated... and then even that was disproved (see MS Hall of Innovation)

It has been confirmed Windows 7 is coming out January 2010.

MS have gone back to their original release cycle. The time between XP and Vista (about 5 years i think?) was far too long, so from now on their will be a new release every 1000 days is (roughly 3 years) as their has been before.

Windows 7 isn't a "better version" of vista, it is a completely new OS, stripped right down and it will have a modular install much like linux has for ages. They are getting rid of the System32 folder with all the legacy dlls and implementing a virtualisation framework so that old software will still work on the new OS, but it will be much faster and lighter. Windows 7 is set to become everything XP/Vista should have been. Whether or not they can pull it off is another question!

I only went by what the article told me, but your version sounds more thorough and would explain a few things. I think the article was based at not very tech savvy people, hence the "updated version of Vista", so apologies for that.

 

I really like the whole modular idea, I also heard that they might implement subscription based updating to future versions of Windows — sounds interesting. Windows 7 looks promising though, let's hope they do something right this time!

I think the reports of the "updated version of vista" thing came from the first public beta release. Windows released a build to the public for testing, the build is already a few months old, and *looks* like an updated version of vista because we are only 1 year into the 3 year cycle.

 

From what I've read, the updates so far have been just a few core, and a few UI updates, but there is much, much more to come including a much needed re-write of Windows Explorer (note to non-techs: Not internet explorer )

Windows 7 isn't a "better version" of vista, it is a completely new OS, stripped right down and it will have a modular install much like linux has for ages.

MinWin! Probably one of the better ideas Microsoft has decided to implement. Somewhat cynical on how it'll all pan out, mind. We were told that Vista would be a completely new/better OS than XP but it seems a lot of the good stuff was ditched? I don't know 100% the ins and outs.. I got bored with it all

 

I dislike MS intensely but every time I look into Linux I always find at least one piece of software that I won't be able to use. And the idea of buying a Mac and letting someone else choose what goes inside the box horrifies me!

Very well put.

 

It frustrates me sometimes that there is such arguments between people who cannot see why anyone chooses to use an OS other than the one they like/use.

 

Just because a person uses a product, doesn't necessarily mean they support or agree with the aims/ethics of the company that produces it.

 

(Not that this has anything to do with office packages... )

Lol it looks like Peter Molyneux and Bill Gates have traded places ... and if anyone else gets that, join me in wasting time until Fable 2

 

Roll on November!

I'm an office 2007 user, but think that it really depends on what you want it for as to which one is better for you...thats the problem with things like this it is personal taste, so really you should try to try them both before deciding which one is for you

Ur all gonna hate me, but I like Vista.....

 

/*Runs and hides in the corner hoping no one noticed */

 

I also like XP

I think that we moderators should remove distressing comments such as the one above!

 

J/k

I think that we moderators should remove distressing comments such as the one above!

 

J/k

Agreed. We should totally make this a Mac only forum seeing as it's the best OS in the entire Universe!

Wow you guys didn't make it easy for me. I ended up getting 07 for 75$ and I really dig the new layout. Dunno if it will annoy me over time but right now it is pretty sweet.

 

Having said that, I decided to get an Eee PC so it looks like I will be using Open Office pretty soon.

 

What I want out of the next Windows: something stripped down and basic. Something that is fast. Something that is pretty tho I guess I could skin it.

I regularly use MS Office 2003 and MS Office 2000. Sometimes if I click the wrong button on my start menu, I'll use Abiword.

 

Though if I'm really in a rush, I'll just use GoogleDocs.

Due to a mishap in careers I become a bit of a guru in VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) - seeing as every company I ever worked for used Office. I know it's not a 'proper' language (my pay cheques were very real though!) but I did manage to create some nifty business process/analytical/reporting systems. Remember I'm a little older and this was before everything moved onto the web and opensource took-off!

Does Open Office have an equivalent of VBA behind the scenes (no I don't mean macros)?

One of the problems using complex software is the learning curve it takes to become quick at doing the daily things we use it for. That is one of the reasons I have not looked at Open Office, because I would have to learn to find my way around a new piece of software. Also, so many places use MS Office, that I am always likely to find that to be the main program suite at a friend's house or in a place of work. I can't see any reaon for me to download Open Office right now.

Open Office is identical in features to MS Office, and is laid out virtually the same too - there really is no learning curve to speak of. If you can work MS Office, you could work OO.

Open Office is identical in features to MS Office, and is laid out virtually the same too - there really is no learning curve to speak of. If you can work MS Office, you could work OO.

 

Even programming the 'back-end' to like you can with VBA integrating Access, Excel, Outlook, Word and lots of other external programs?

 

I know it's old-fashioned but I use VBA to use Word's powerful built-in searches and formatting etc. along with Access to create some quite nifty (for me anyway) customised HTML-coding routines that allow me to code complex documents formatted in Word or obtained from PDF's into XHTML based on their styling and some logical calculations.

 

I'm not saying this is the best approach - it's just why I'm still running Office 2000 on XP. Is that a difference between the 2? I know nothing about Open Office.

I have no idea wizely - sorry! I don't use Open Office myself - I have used it though which is why I know it's identical to MS Office. However, when I say "identical" I'm specifically referring to the tools available inside the program as standard which your average user is going to fiddle with.. basic word processing etc does not really differ between the two.

 

You may find the answers to your questions on the OO site?

You may find the answers to your questions on the OO site?

 

There are other sites on this interweb thing? I'd be scared to venture outside of WDF. The other day in the street I mimed this - and people looked at me as if I was mad! You can't make me - I won't go you know!

 

I will look on the site - I was just wondering if anyone (if it can be done) has done 'VBA-type' stuff with OO?