OpenOffice - Reviews

Reviews

In September 2005 the magazine Federal Computer Week listed OpenOffice.org as one of the "5 stars of open-source products." In contrast, OpenOffice.org was used in 2005 by The Guardian newspaper to illustrate what it sees as the limitations of open-source software, although the article does finish by stating that the software may be better than MS Word for books. OpenOffice.org was featured by eWeek several times, version 2.0 was reviewed by Linux Magazine and previewed by other media. A PC Pro review awarded OOo Version 2.0 6 stars out of 6 and stated: "Our pick of the low-cost office suites has had a much-needed overhaul, and now battles Microsoft in terms of features, not just price." The reviewer also concluded:

For personal use, there are even fewer reasons to choose Microsoft. OpenOffice certainly doesn't lack features compared to the market leader, and most of its ease-of-use issues stem from people's familiarity with Microsoft Office rather than an inherent problem with the program itself. As such, you should certainly try OpenOffice's offering before donating another £100 or more to Microsoft's coffers. After all, it's free.

In early October 2005, ComputerWorld of IDG reported that for large government departments, migration to OpenOffice.org 2.0 cost one tenth of the price of upgrading to Microsoft Office 2007.

The above information dates from January 2006 or earlier. Links to reviews of the October 2008 version 3 and earlier releases appear on the Oo.o website.