LibreOffice – How SUITE it is!
LibreOffice 3 Features
Microsoft Office compatibility
LibreOffice is able to read and write Microsoft Office files. Users can open and save Word, Excel and PowerPoint files on several platforms. These include Windows, Linux, Mac OS X and Solaris.
One-click export to PDF
LibreOffice has a one-click PDF export feature that lets you create PDF files. This feature makes exchanging documents in a standard read-only file format a simple task. The creation of PDF files normally requires third party add-on tools. With LibreOffice this feature comes built-in.
Export to Flash (.SWF)
LibreOffice can export presentations and drawings to the Macromedia Flash format (.swf). You can view your presentations in any web browser with the Flash plug-in. Now recipients do not have to install any special viewer in order to view your presentation.
Accessibility
LibreOffice has accessibility options for the handicapped. There is a high contrast mode for some kinds of visual impairment. Also, it is possible to use it with certain special entry devices.
Support for many native languages
LibreOffice supports bi-directional and vertical text. Hence, it can be translated into languages with complex layouts like Chinese and Hebrew. LibreOffice has been translated into more than 30 languages.
Open XML file format
LibreOffice uses an open XML-based file format. Unlike others, it is not held secret. The file specification is publically available. Thus, anyone can write alternative software to manipulate LibreOffice files. You will never be forced to upgrade due to secret file format changes. This format is now the basis for the OASIS industry standard for office documents.
Macro recorder
The macro recorder lets you automate recurring tasks. For more complex functions, LibreOffice has a Software Development Kit (SDK). The SDK lets you extend LibreOffice using the Java programming language, C++, Python, Basic, OLE and XML.
3rd party add-ons
The add-on framework and deployment tool allow third parties to extend LibreOffice.
Support for DocBook and PDA file formats
LibreOffice can export documents to some specialized file formats like DocBook and various small device formats such as AportisDoc. Users can then carry documents on a Palm Pilot or Pocket PDA.
Database integration
LibreOffice has support for various databases, including open source databases such as MySQL and PostgreSQL. This combination allows users to do tasks that used to be done with Microsoft Access.
Unlike some competitors, this professional office suite was not created from a collection of separate pieces of software. From the start, it was designed as one complete office package.
* All the packages have a similar ‘look and feel’ making them very easy to use, with common learn once use everywhere’ tools like the Navigator and Stylist. The same tools are used consistently across the suite – for example,
* the tools you use to work with graphics within Writer are also found in Impress and Draw. You don’t need to know which application was used to create a particular
* file – you can ‘File Open’ any LibreOffice file from anywhere and the correct application will be launched. All the packages share a common spell-checker, etc. and if you change
* an ‘Option’ in one package, it’s changed in them all. Information can be transferred easily between all the packages. All packages save data in the same industry-standard XML format, with substantial disk space savings compared to common proprietary formats. All the packages are installed in one single operation.
Use the following links to read about each component of the Free Microsoft Office clone LibreOffice by clicking in the icon or the underlined name.
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Writer – a word processor you can use for anything from writing a quick letter to producing an entire book. |
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Calc – a powerful spreadsheet with all the tools you need to calculate, analyse, and present your data in numerical reports or sizzling graphics. |
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Impress – the fastest, most powerful way to create effective multimedia presentations. |
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Draw – lets you produce everything from simple diagrams to dynamic 3D illustrations. |
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Base – lets you manipulate databases seamlessly. Create and modify tables, forms, queries, and reports, all from within OpenOffice.org |
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Math – lets you create mathematical equations with a graphic user interface or by directly typing your formulas into the equation editor. |
LibreOffice Writer = Microsoft Office Word
LibreOffice Calc = Microsoft Office Excel
LibreOffice Impress = Microsoft Office Powerpoint
LibreOffice Draw = Microsoft Office Visio
LibreOffice Base = Microsoft Office Access
FREE OFFICE SOFTWARE 100% MICROSOFT COMPATIBLE OFFICE CLONE.
For all your documents 
WRITER has everything you would expect from a modern, fully equipped word processor or desktop publisher.
It’s simple enough for a quick memo, powerful enough to create complete books with contents, diagrams, indexes, etc. You’re free to concentrate on your message – while WRITER makes it look great.
: : The Wizards takes all the hassle out of producing standard documents such as letters, faxes, agendas, minutes, or carrying out more complex tasks such as mail merges. You are of course free to create your own templates.
: : Styles and Formatting puts the power of style sheets into the hands of every user.
: : Trap typing mistakes on the fly with the AutoCorrect dictionary, which can check your spelling as you type.
: : Reduce typing effort with AutoComplete, which suggests common words and phrases to complete what you are typing.
: : AutoFormat takes care of the formatting as you write, leaving you free to concentrate on your message.
: : Text frames and linking give you the power to tackle desktop publishing tasks for newsletters, flyers, etc. laid out exactly the way you want them to be.
: : Increase the usefulness of your long, complex documents by generating a table of contents or indexing terms, bibliographical references, illustrations, tables, and other objects.
: : Email your documents – WRITER offers direct connection to email software.
: : Make your documents freely available with WRITER’s HTML export to the web, or publish in Portable Document Format (.pdf) to guarantee that what you write is what your reader sees.
: : Save your documents in OpenDocument format, the new international standard for office documents. This XML based format means you’re not tied in to WRITER. You can access your documents from any OpenDocument compliant software.
WRITER can of course read all your old Microsoft Word documents, and save your work in Microsoft Word format for sending to people who are using Microsoft products.
Make your documents freely available with WRITER’s HTML export to the web, or publish in Portable Document Format (.pdf) to guarantee that what you write is what your reader sees. Of course, you are free to use Microsoft Word documents, or save your work in Word formats.
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Spreadsheet : CALC – The free Microsoft Excel alternative
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CALC is the spreadsheet program you’ve always wanted. Newcomers find it intuitive and easy to learn; professional data miners and number crunchers will appreciate the comprehensive range of advanced functions.
:: Advanced DataPilot technology makes it easy to pull in raw data from corporate databases; cross-tabulate, summarise, and convert it into meaningful information.
:: Natural language formulas let you create formulas using words (e.g. “sales – costs”).
:: The Intelligent Sum Button inserts a sum function or a subtotal automatically, depending on context.
:: Wizards guides you through choosing and using a comprehensive range of advanced spreadsheet functions.
:: Styles and Formatting makes it easy to apply flexible cell formatting options, including freely rotating contents, templates, backgrounds, borders, and many more. You can be your own spreadsheet expert thanks to templates with built-in functions, allowing you to concentrate on your real work.
:: Scenario Manager allows “what if …” analysis at the touch of a button – e.g. compare profitability for high / medium / low sales forecasts.
:: Hide or reveal Design Themes with a single click – use CALC’s defaults or add your own.
:: Save your spreadsheets in Open Document format, the new international standard for office documents. This XML based format means you’re not tied in to CALC. You can access your spreadsheets from any OpenDocument compliant software.
Of course, you are free to use your old Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, or save your work in Excel format for sending to people who use Microsoft products. If all they want to see is your results, then use Portable Document Format (.pdf) – no need to buy any extra software.
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Presentation Tool : IMPRESS – The free Microsoft PowerPoint Alternative
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Free to impress your audience .:. More power to your presentations. 
IMPRESS is a truly outstanding tool for creating effective multimedia presentations. Your presentations will stand out with 2D and 3D clip art, special effects, animation, and high-impact drawing tools.
:: Auto Layouts simplify the task of preparing your materials.
:: A complete range of Views are supported: Drawing / Outline / Slides / Notes / Handouts to meet all the needs of presenters and audiences.
:: IMPRESS has a complete range of easy-to-use drawing and diagramming tools to spice up your presentation.
:: ‘Park’ your most commonly used drawing tools around your screen ready for single-click access.
:: Slide show Animation and Effects bring your presentation to life.
:: Fontworks provides stunning 2D and 3D images from text. Create lifelike 3D images with astounding speed and response.
Of course, you are free to use your old Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, or save your work in Power Point format for sending to people who use Microsoft products. Alternatively, use IMPRESS’s built-in ability to create Flash (.swf) versions of your presentations.
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Drawings and Diagrams .: DRAW :.
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Free the artist hidden within you . . . . . . 
The powerful graphics package DRAW – from a quick sketch to a complex plan, DRAW gives you the tools to communicate with graphics and diagrams.
:: ‘Park’ your most commonly used drawing tools around your screen ready for single-click access.
:: Use Styles and Formatting to put all your graphics styles at your finger tips.
:: Manipulate objects, rotate in two or three dimensions; the 3D controller puts spheres, rings, cubes, etc. at your disposal.
:: Arrange objects: group, ungroup, regroup, and edit objects while grouped. Sophisticated rendering let you create photorealistic images with your own texture, lighting effects, transparency, perspective, and so on.
:: Smart connectors make short work of flowcharts, organisation charts, network diagrams, etc. Define your own ‘glue points’ for connectors to ‘stick’ to.
:: Dimension lines automatically calculate and display linear dimensions as you draw.
:: Use the picture Gallery for clipart; create your own art and add it to the Gallery.
:: Save your graphics in OpenDocument format, the new international standard for office documents. This XML based format means you’re not tied in to IMPRESS. You can access your graphics from any OpenDocument compliant software.
:: Import graphics from all common formats (including BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and WMF).
Use DRAW’s free ability to create Flash (.swf) versions of your work.
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Database Access .: Database User Tools :.
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BASE enables you to manipulate database data seamlessly within LibreOffice. Create and modify tables, forms, queries, and reports, either using your own database or BASE’s own built-in HSQL database engine. BASE offers a choice of using Wizards, Design Views, or SQL Views for beginners, intermediate, and advanced users. 
Maintaining your data With BASE, you can:
:: Create new tables for your data – and also change them as your needs change
:: Maintain indexes on the tables to make data access faster.
:: View a table in an editing grid and add, change, and delete records.
:: Use the Report Wizard to produce impressive reports from your data.
:: Use the Form Wizard to create ‘instant’ database applications.
Using your data Using BASE, you can not only browse your data, but also:
:: Perform simple (single column) or complex (multi-column) sorts.
:: View subsets of your data with simple (one-click) or complex (logical query) filters
:: Create powerful queries to show your data in new ways, including summaries and multi-table views.
:: Produce reports in a wide variety of formats using the Report AutoPilot.
:: Technical footnotes
:: BASE includes a full version of the HSQL database engine, storing data in XML files. It can also access dBASE files natively for simple database work.
For more advanced requirements, BASE supports many popular databases natively (Adabas D, ADO, Microsoft Access, MySQL), or any database through industry-standard ODBC and JDBC drivers. It also supports any LDAP compliant address book, as well as common formats such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Windows, and Mozilla.
Open up your databases . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Maintaining your data
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Using LibreOffice, you can:
:: Create new tables for your data – and also change them as your needs change
:: Maintain indexes on the tables to make data access faster
:: View a table in an editing grid and add, change, and delete records
:: Use the Report AutoPilot to produce impressive reports from yourdata
:: Use the Form AutoPilot to create ‘instant’ database applications
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Using your data
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Using LibreOffice, you can not only browse your data, but also:
:: Perform simple (single column) or complex (multi-column) sorts
:: View subsets of your data with simple (one-click) or complex (logical query) filters
:: Create powerful queries to show your data in new ways, including summaries and multi-table views
:: Produce reports in a wide variety of formats using the Report AutoPilot
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Technical footnotes
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For simple database applications, LibreOffice supports dBASE (.dbf) databases without any additional software. For more advanced requirements, OpenOffice supports the MySQL database natively, or any database through ODBC and JDBC drivers. There is a MySQL / Open Office HOW-TO on the unixODBC site.
When you order your LibreOffice DVD we include free of charge MySQL database Server. MySQL is the world’s most popular open source database, with more than 4 million active installations. Many of the world’s largest organizations, including Google.com Yahoo.com!, Sabre Holdings, Cox Communications, The Associated Press and NASA, are realizing significant cost savings by using MySQL to power Web sites, business-critical enterprise applications and packaged software.
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Microsoft Office Compatibility
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LibreOffice is able to read and write Microsoft Office files. This allows users to open and save Word, Excel and Power Point files on their preferred platform incl. Windows, Linux and Solaris
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One-click Export to PDF
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LibreOffice is able to read and write Microsoft Office files. This allows users to open and save Word, Excel and Power Point files on their preferred platform incl. Windows, Linux and Solaris 
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Export to Flash (.SWF)
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LibreOffice can export presentations and drawings to the Macromedia Flash format (.swf). Thus, it’s now possible to view presentations in a simple web browser that has the Flash plugin installed. Recipients and users of Flash presentations don’t have to install a special viewer anymore in order to view a presentation.
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Accessibility
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LibreOffice can now be used by handicapped people – for example people with sight problems. LibreOffice provides a high contrast mode, and together with additional tools it’s even possible to use special entry devices.
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Open XML File Format
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The default file format in LibreOffice is an open XML file format defined in a 500-page specification document. Every LibreOffice file is a ZIP archive containing separate XML files for the content, styles, settings and meta data. OASIS is using the LibreOffice file format as the basis for the creation of a industry wide standard for an open office document file format. For ordinary end users this means that the content of documents can still be accessed and used for decades to come. Very important for Enterprise and Governments that have to archive large volumes of documents.
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XML File Filter Tool
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The new XML file filter tool makes it easy to integrate new import or export file filters that are based on XSL transformations. A popular use case for the XML filter tool is the support for the new Microsoft Office file formats.
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ActiveX Control
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LibreOffice comes with an ActiveX control that allows users to view Open Office documents within a browser window (Internet Explorer) on the Windows platform. The ActiveX control can also be used within native applications developed in Microsoft Visual Basic or Borland Delphi.
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Support for DocBook and PDA File Formats
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LibreOffice allows users to export documents to popular file formats like DocBook or various small device file formats like AportisDoc. This gives users the possibility to carry their documents with them on their Palm Pilots and Pocket PC PDA’s.
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MySQL Integration
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LibreOffice supports MySQL databases, i.e. the open source database can be used for mail merge activities and the creation of reports. The combination of LibreOffice and MySQL (or another supported database including Microsoft Access) allows users to do tasks that many people used to solve by using products like Microsoft Access.
NOTE: MySQL is INCLUDED with your Open2XL DVD.
All the packages are released under the same open licensing model – there are no hidden charges now or in the future. You can upgrade for free and for life!!! Everything you need in an office productivity suite – get it today!.
