Hi, This is my initial attempt at modifying items in the text describing OOo in TheOpenCD for creating a version based on it but with updated software versions and text relating to educational use. My modifications are shown between < >. Please let me know any comments. The text from TheOpenCD is from their development section.
************ OpenOffice.org is a full-featured productivity suite including a word processor, spreadsheet, web page editor <insert ", drawing program">and presentation program. Version 2.0 introduces a plethora of new features: * OpenOffice.org now includes Base, a database similar to Microsoft's Access. * PDF export now allows you to create editable PDF forms that can be filled in using nothing more than a standard PDF viewer. * The OpenOffice.org file format <insert "(open document format)">has been formally approved as an industry standard by the OASIS standards body, in cooperation with major companies like Sun, IBM, HP, Novell, and Adobe. The format has also been submitted for consideration as an ISO standard. <insert "OASIS is sponsored by all the leading names in IT, including Microsoft."> <insert "Openoffice.org is a multiplatform and multilingual office suite and an open source project (include links to web pages). Compatible with all other major office suites, the product is free to download, use and distribute. OpenOffice.org is supported by Sun, Novell, Intel, Red Hat and the open source community."> Version 2.0 retains and improves all the features of version 1.1, including the ability to edit Microsoft Office file formats, perform mail merges, spell checks, and word counts, and use document styles to make re-formatting complex documents easier. The word processor component, Writer, is suitable for the production of professional documents, reports, newsletters, and brochures. A powerful spreadsheet module called Calc contains sophisticated tools for calculation, data analysis and visualisation. Its built-in charting tools are able to generate customisable 2D and 3D charts. The presentation utility, Impress, uses effects, animation and drawing tools to help you create effective multimedia slide shows to present your ideas the way you want to. Use the Draw component to produce either simple diagrams or complex 3D illustrations and special effects for use in documents and presentations. The new Base component offers sophisticated tools for the creation and maintenance of databases. Due to the high cost of commercial office suites, deciding to use OpenOffice.org will typically represent the single largest source of savings on software for organisations or individuals. OpenOffice.org is increasingly becoming an office suite of choice in education, government, and business. <delete "We include several tutorials in Flash and PDF format to help you get quickly up to speed."> <include "OpenOffice.org actively encourages students to not only use the software for free but to help to develop it. Further details can be found on the OpenOffice.org web pages for schools and universities (include links)."> <include " In the UK, the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (BECTA) have announced reviews of schools' use of ICT. These include a value for money review of present educational licensing programs and a review into costs of using applications when working on the same document either at school or at home. Details can be found on these web pages (include links). Becta have also produced a list of preferred file formats for documents produced by schools which favours the open document format as used by OpenOffice.org (include link). Note that proprietary file formats, as used by other office suites, are not included in Becta's list."> Installation Click the install icon to the right to start the installation process. You will be asked a series of questions about the components you wish to install and the program location on your computer. The default choices are generally fine. You will also be prompted to select or install a Java Runtime Environment (JRE). This is an optional component which extends the functionality of OpenOffice.org in some areas. A copy can be downloaded from Sun Microsystems here. You can also select whether OpenOffice.org should open Microsoft Office documents by default. Once installtion is complete you can install additional spelling dictionaries directly from within OpenOffice.org Writer (File -> Autopilot -> Install new dictionaries ...) ************** Thanks -- Michael Devenish --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
