The LibreOffice layout
- Version: 3.5.4
- Downloads Count: 9,954
- License Type: Free
- Price: Free
- Date Added: Jun 21, 2012
- Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP
- Requirements: Pentium III or Athlon, 256MB RAM, 1.5GB free hard disk space, 1024x768 resolution, Java Runtime Environment, administrator rights on PC
- File Size: 211.69 MB
- Author: The Document Foundation
An overview of LibreOffice
Side Note: This review addresses v3.3 of the software.
LibreOffice was created due to the recent parting of ways between Oracle and the OpenOffice.org community, LibreOffice was just released by the Document Foundation. It is a fresh new take on OpenOffice.org.
LibreOffice software includes the features Writer, its word processor; Calc, a spreadsheet module; Impress, for presentations; Draw, for sketching and diagrams; Base, a database front end; and Math, an editor of simple equations.
It is available in many languages, about over 30 languages. LibreOffice 3.3 offers very tough support for standards including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Office Open XML, Open Document Format, and PDF. A carriable version of the software has been recently launched for USB, removable, and cloud drives, allowing users to easily take it wherever they may go.
As open-source software, LibreOffice is supported by a large worldwide community, this includes a whole heap of developers who are helpful in the area of custom solutions.
Considering the fact that it is the first stable version of the OpenOffice.org branch, it should not shock anyone that Libre Office 3.3 is very similar to the software that it is based upon. Like most of OpenOffice, the interface will not be hard to use because it is familiar for those used to Microsoft Office and it is very easy to personalize. Spreadsheet, document and presentation files that are created in both Microsoft Office and OpenOffice.org seemed to be not a problem for LibreOffice. And also a document that was created in LibreOffice didn't experience any problems in Microsoft Word.
Even though the Document Foundation supposedly has big things in mind for upcoming versions of LibreOffice, it is very plain and simple to see that this version focuses mainly on consistency, compatibility, and the level of quality of the code, the way the foundation said it would be. LibreOffice seems to be a great office suite that can be used for many purposes, it is very much like OpenOffice in many ways. There is also a carriable version for those users who are always on the run and can benefit from the convenience.
Taking in to consideration the many disagreements between Oracle and the open-source community in recent months, LibreOffice is clearly the better choice. Libre Office is much better than OpenOffice.org for any organization that gives importance to open-source software, whether it is a reason of philosophical or practical nature. And it is also much better and more appropriate for desktop use than Lotus Symphony is. Also the addition of a carriable version helps out employees who are constantly busy and on the run. However for those who are true road warriors, they may think to select a suite that offers more cloud, mobile, and collaboration functionalities.
