OpenOffice.org 3

OpenOffice.org 3 is the newly-released version of the most popular free office suite in the world.  Compatible with Microsoft Office files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), OpenOffice.org has rapidly been gaining popularity over the last few years.  It is the office suite of choice for many pre-built Linux systems (including the ones being sold by Dell, HP and ASUS), and is also compatible with Windows, Apple, and Unix operating systems.  The interface closely resembles Microsoft’s, and there is almost no learning curve for Microsoft Office users wishing to convert to a free alternative.  OpenOffice.org can open Microsoft Office 2007 files without having to install a converter, which is something that earlier versions of Microsoft Office cannot do.  OpenOffice.org can also save any office document as a PDF file without having to install any additional software.

NOTE:  By default, OpenOffice.org is set to be most compatible with international opensource document formats. Follow these easy steps to make it more compatible with Microsoft Office document formats.

Download OpenOffice.org

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UPDATE:

Because this is a brand new release, the download servers are being hit pretty hard with web traffic.  As a result, the download may be pretty slow.  But don’t be discouraged!  Just look at all the positive press that OpenOffice has received in the past few days:

Yahoo!

ZDNet

Houston Chronicle

Computerworld

Create PDF files in Office 2007

Microsoft offers a free add-in that allows Office 2007 to save any file as a PDF.  After installing the update, you can create a PDF by using the Save As feature and selecting the PDF option.

 

Download the add-in here

Microsoft offering massive discount to students

 

If you have a student going off to college, or are a student yourself, Microsoft  is making you quite an offer.  With their “Ultimate Steal” promotion, Microsoft is offering their Office Ultimate 2007 software for $59.95.  Office Ultimate 2007 is Microsoft’s flagship office suite, which regularly sells for over $600.  Any student with a qualifying .edu e-mail address is eligible to receive the discount.  Starting on September 8th, Microsoft will also be providing students with huge discounts on Visio 2007 and Windows Vista Ultimate.

The Ultimate Steal at Microsoft.com

Trouble Opening Office 2007 files?

If you are using an older version of Microsoft Office (97/2000/XP/2003) and are having trouble opening files created with Office 2007, you are not alone.  With the release of Office 2007, Microsoft changed the program’s default file type from the classic .doc (for Word) extension to a new .docx extension.  One little letter makes a lot of difference, and all previous versions of Office are unable to open this new file type without installing a converter.  Fortunately the converter is available for free from the Microsoft website, and is easily installed.

Download from Microsoft