On 11/26/05, Randomthots <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Richard Rowe wrote: > > > biologist > > > > write scientific papers and reports, often need to access material in > > older file formats. > > > > I think that providing a range of text file converters would be a big > > plus for Open Office Writer. > > > > MS tends to abandon Word formats on about a 5 year cycle, and loading > > the appropriate converter 'from disk' can be an inconvenience in a > > centralised situation where end users probablby don't have the CDs to > > hand. OO's file converters are good (and I frequently need them to open > > MS Word files submitted by students - files that don't open in MS Word). > > > > Upside: works transparently, users happy > > Downside: bloat? > > > > Richard > > You may want to consider purchasing Sun's StarOffice 8. It is basically > OpenOffice.org but includes things that can't be included in OOo because > of licensing restrictions, etc. Among them are a wide range of file > filters. It will run you about $79 list (cheaper on Amazon).
Actually, if Richard works for a school, or is a student, (as his email seems to indicate) he can get StarOffice 8 for free from Sun.com. http://www.sun.com/products-n-solutions/edu/promotions/edusoft/individual/download/cat4_qualification.html *http://tinyurl.com/8jhvq* And I would totally agree with Rod, StarOffice seems like it would meet your needs. SO has a *TON* of file filters, a level I have not seen close to matched in other office suites - by *far* the highest number of formats. > Upside: works transparently, users happy > Downside: bloat? The downside to OOo offering these other filters isn't bloat - it's a matter of freedom. StarOffice pays companies for the right to use their filters. OOo, being free, can't do that. Also many of the filters are of a propriatary nature that precludes their inclusion in a Free (as in Freedom) office suite. I doubt the filters are very large, so bloat wouldn't be an issue - confusion may be, since the "Open" and "Save as" dialog boxes have *HUGE* drop-down menus. -- - Chad Smith http://www.gimpshop.net/ Because everyone loves free software!