Apache OpenOffice

Functionality 4,5/5

Unlike most office suites, OpenOffice has more than three applications, which are usually spreadsheets, slideshow creator, and a word processor. In our case, there are six programs such as Writer, Impress, Draw, Base, Math, and Calc.

Although OpenOffice is an open source free office suite, it receives frequent updates and is efficient both for business and personal use. It reads and writes files in the OpenDocument Format, as well as Microsoft file formats like docx, xlsx, and pptx. It also supports common formats like txt and rtf.

Just about every possible need in office work is covered by this impressive suite. In addition to a drawing tool and a database, OpenOffice includes a formula creation.

Despite the minor issues like an absence of cloud option, OpenOffice still regularly win contracts to replace Microsoft Office, especially in educational markets and government.

Design 4/5

Each OpenOffice’s applications look much like their counterpart programs in Microsoft; the version before the Ribbon interface, though. So, fans of the Static menu will be satisfied to see
File, Edit, View, Insert, Format, Table, Tools, Window and Help across the tops of their documents. And if you memorized keyboard shortcuts, you will be right at home.

The interface looks a little dated, resembling software from the 90s, but, of course, looks are not everything.

Usability 4,5/5

You can launch the full OpenOffice suite from the splash screen by clicking on a program or clicking the Open file icon. You can also place icons for the individual applications on the desktop, Taskbar, or Start Menu.

OpenOffice is not the exact same as Microsoft Office, but it’s free, 95 percent interoperable, and doesn’t have the Ribbon interface which still pisses some people off. If you need a comfortable and productive application to do standard “knowledge work” without complicated documents and convoluted presentation, you can switch to OpenOffice right away.

You will be able to open and modify almost all documents without a hiccup.

Cross-platform use 5/5

OpenOffice is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.

In-app purchases

OpenOffice is free to use and doesn’t require any in-app purchases.

Conclusion

OpenOffice is an excellent alternative for Microsoft Office and definitely deserves your attention. If you want something less aggravating than Microsoft Office, then OpenOffice will be a good choice. It’s free, with tiny learning curve and without Ribbon menu. OpenOffice reads and writes Office files so well that most users could exchange files between these two suites and no one would tell the difference.

Those with large user groups but small budgets have saved lots of money switching to open-source software like OpenOffice.