Amazon.com Review

Whether saying "no" to Microsoft's hegemony or recognizing the Corel tradition of sleek and powerful software, users choosing WordPerfect Office 2002 Standard Edition can take pride in their choice. The core suite includes WordPerfect 10, the Quattro Pro 10 spreadsheet program, Corel Presentations 10, and the CorelCENTRAL 10 personal information manager (PIM); each of these meets or exceeds the qualities of their competitors.

Accessories like the Pocket Oxford Dictionary and Corel's Application Recovery Manager make life easier for users and administrators alike. The advanced voice recognition software and microphone help eliminate the risk of repetitive stress and improve one's diction simultaneously (mumblers need not apply).

Pretty much every file type we've ever heard of can be imported and exported, so longtime users of other software should have a relatively seamless transition. The look and feel will be familiar to users of Microsoft Office, though quirks in hot keys, commands, and toolbars will take a few days to master. This might be the only reason not to switch from Microsoft--inertia can be difficult to overcome and novice users may resent learning new tools. However, the strengths, including Adobe PDF publishing, Microsoft's VBA scripting, Web compatibility, and networked file sharing, should convince most open-minded users to consider the merits of WordPerfect Office 2002. --Rob Lightner--This review refers to the Professional Edition ... Read more

Reviews (6)

I love this program
I took classes in Wordperfect 8 and word. Wordperfect is better hands down. I have upgraded to 9 and I now have the full version of 10 with dragon. It has never crashed on me. I have a sony computer that came with 10 because it works so well with xp. I bought the whole version and I will not use word. It is to slow and is terrible for mail merge. The problems that these people are having is becuse they do not know how to use the program. I am also surpised that amozon does not say that it works with xp. Wordperfect 2000 does not work with xp put 2002 does. That is why Sony has it on all of there computers and not word. I am using the professioal ediditon. Sony put the standard with my computer and it work fine.

DOES NOT HANDLE WELL
I HAVE AN OEM VERSION OF OFFICE 2002 STANDARD EDITION AND I AM HAVING NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. I CONSTANTLY GET A MESSAGE STATING THAT WORD PERFECT (10) OR QUATTRO PRO HAS ENCOUNTERED A PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO CLOSE. IF I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF SOMETHING THE INFORMATION I WAS WORKING ON MIGHT BE LOST. I HAVE DOWN LOADED SERVICE PACK 3 AND HOT PATCH 4 AND I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. IS THIS BECAUSE I HAVE AN OEM VERSION OR WHAT? SHOULD I BUY A NEW PROGRAM OR GO UP TO VERSION 11?

Star Office is much much much better
I tried to do a 500 name mail merge with Word Perfect and my computer crashed. And crashed. I paid their customer service to try and fix it, and the problem got worse, and they really didn't want to spend any time helping me. I wasted about 50 hours of time to try to get it to work, and finally gave up (I work in technology...) This use to be the most awesome software for word processing. Not anymore. Star Office is a dream, and I was so happy to switch to that.

Don't buy this unless you want your computer to crash!
Corel was part of the bundled software on my new computer, and I have never been happy with it. The spreadsheet is not as useful as Excel, I spent the better part of an afternoon trying to get it to do a pie chart correctly. It never did. Linear regression formulas are next to impossible, too. The word processor freezes far too frequently, and for no reason whatsoever. Printing seems to be a catalyst for it's demise, but it still will randomly just shut down. The email program is a joke, I started it once and have never even bothered with it again, even Outlook Express is better. Corel office has only two redeeming qualities: 1) It will export to PDF format, and 2) NO OFFICE ASSISTANT!!
Additionaly, if you need to send a file to someone who has Microsoft Word, just forget it, because although it will save in Word format, it will transpose things and garble it.
I would recomend writing with pen and paper before using Corel WordPerfect.

WordPerfect still unmatched
I have worked (had to work :-) ) with MS Word, StarWriter, WordStar etc. After almost 20 years of experience I can assure you: Nothing beats WordPerfect when you need a powerful yet easy to use wordprocessor. Don't worry about compatibilty with MS Word. WordPerfect imports and exports Word files just fine. If your primary concern is wordprocessing, get WordPerfect ... Read more

Features

• Manage pages and views, assign links and image maps, work with tables
• Learn the code behind the scenes -start building frames, interactive buttons, CSS and databases
• Work with dynamic simulations that react to what you do -- not boring static displays
• Discover secrets and tips used by experts to solve the most common FrontPage problems
• Keyword search tools help you find any topics you need help with, for easier discussion and review

Features

• 11 Program Tutorial Set on 8 CD's
• Each tutorial covers over 50 important topics
• Offers just-in-time training with Professor Answers
• Helpful narration can be turned on or off
• Interactive lessons in realistic simulations

Reviews (2)

Good Program, BAD INSTALLATION by flawed design.
~A) Software does not self-install -- no matter what you do(any kind of prayer beads don't even help!!!...I tried them all...)
~B) Customer service's automatic system gets back to you with info sooner than a warm body one does.
~C) I figured out the solution all by my lil ole self, and I am not even paid to do it!!!!!

___Listen, children, and you shall hear of
___yet another nightmare installing software...

Even my hubby who is technical support customer service guru, didn't get it figured out. But in defense of all those desktop jockeys -- they have so much information to remember that the basics are soon forgotten. ~~~So, here's a toast for all the softaware customer people in the trenches of day-to-day frustration, feeling unappreciated, and kicked like the dog. **Cheers!! [:]P ** "Thanks for all of the effort and attempts to help us non-technical users. And please try not to talk down to us so much and we will try to remember that you are only human as well."~~~

Simply put, use your computer to install it by -->

1.)Control Panel, select "Add/Remove Software" then,
2.)Select the "Add New Software", and finally
3.)The computer will do the rest and even come running back, wagging its tail, to that same installation screen to load all of the rest of the CDs for you too - what a dear thing it can be -- except when you are PULLING YOUR HAIR OUT over it!!!!

Happy software trails to all,
from The Lady Scorpio.

Excellent Training Opportunity!
My experience with "Professor Teaches.." was benefical and hassle-free. I was and am (I am still working my way through the tutorials) quite satisfied with the self-paced process of learning not only the basics of Microsoft Office components, but also aspects of their functioning I had little or no knowledge of. One CD is devoted to each component aspect of Microsoft Office. You can stop and start the session at will and when you begin agian you are at the point you just left off.

The information is presented in a straight fowrard, easy-to-comprehend manner. The interactive nature of this product allows the student to perform tasks associated with each topic.
I took the opportunity to take detailed notes as I went through each exercise, givng me a quick reference quick to use once I completed each lesson- so far I have completed the Microsoft Word and Outlook modules and am one-third of the way through the Excel module.

The only draw-back I experienced this product is that it worked best when installed as a program rather than used as a CD.

Also I think the edition I purchased had a lot of stuff I didn't really need like Office ME and 2000. Now I need to get the set with Frontpage and the other Web design programs.

Again, I found this product to be extremely satisfactory. ... Read more

Product Description

Office Suite 2005 ... Read more

Features

• 750 real resume examples
• 150,000 resume phrases
• Search 8 million jobs
• Step-by-step wizards
• 30 single-click resume designs. New! Import your resume

Reviews (4)

How was a resume ever created with this!
Out of the box it looks impressive. The graphical front end when you first run it, gives you a sense of confidence that you are indeed working with the number one resume writing product in the world. I deligently set off through the seemingly easy-to-use screens putting in my information. The first signs of trouble were when I tried to go into the format changing screens. These were garbled, illegible and I could only close them in order to continue. Thinking I might have been doing something wrong, I pressed on with the task of keying in my resume details. When I got to the final congratulations screen and tried to preview the results of my labor, I found that it had all been in vain. Previewing my resume showed whole sentences cut off, parts of the screen jambled, sections missing, text uneditable in what are suppose to be editing screens and formating inconsistent. Basically, what would be printed out or converted to MS Word would be rendered useless as a resume. At this point, and after numerous attempts at reinstalling, applying patches and even upgrading, I find it difficult to believe that a coherent and useful resume has EVER been produced using this package. This leads me to conclude that it is nothing more than a hyped up piece of garbage - Kudus to the marketing team - the purchase of which constitutes an utter and complete waste of time and money.

It could be 5 stars except...
I just spent 2 hours making my resume. I tried to transfer it into word because I have to email it along with another word fille to our HR department. Well, now it is a total mess.

This program is fine if you are going to print out resumes directly from the program. Horrible for emailing and HTML.

At first glance, it's nice, but BEWARE of customer service
I bought this product for my husband after he was laid off from his job. I thought it was a good idea to update his
resume to something fresh and eyecatching.

The outside of the box boasted it's endorsements by several professional people and companies,as well as the fact that is the "#1 BEST SELLER". It also has the words on the box NEW VERSION 10 DELUXE, so this leads one to believe that it's the newest version available.

The examples are very professional looking. Included in the software is not only resume templates, but cover letter templates, virtual interview,salary finder, career finder, job finder and RESUME CASTER, which is supposed to send out your resume to virtually thousands of perspective employers via the world wide web... Upon the installation of the CD Rom, everything appeared to be going well. It's a very user friendly format, and I quickly was able to figure out just how to start the resume making process. Once finished, it will only print in the format you make, it will not transfer in same format for emailing or attaching to email. Had to start from scratch in MSWord. And WHAT on earth is DELUXE about this software? The frustration you get from using it???

I wanted to utilize RESUME CASTER...that's when I got a message that read, "UPGRADE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED". It would not allow me to do anything else with it. I emailed the company and the response I got 11 days later (which, upon emailing the company, the "canned" reply email said that someone would get back to me within 2 business days) stated that I had to send in for an upgrade which was free, however, I must send in a fee of $6.00 for shipping and handling.

I refuse to send in for an upgrade to a software program I just purchased 12 days ago, I find this unacceptable. Most reputable companies will let you download patches or upgrades to their software for free, but with this company, it's not an option.

I will use the resumemaker for making resumes and cover letters,then go to MSWORD to input them myself, because they do not transfer at all in the same format to word through the software. I will not get the "full use" of the resumecaster, and just spread the word to keep looking when anyone is looking for a good resume software. There are good ones out there made by reputable companies that will stand behind their work and their name to please the customer. This is not a company like that, they want to pretend they are "giving" the updates away, yet charge the customer $6.00 for shipping when they could easily get by with downloading upgrades for free when you have purchased their software.

Really nice!
The program is really nice. It makes it pretty easy to put together a nice resume and do a web publications and searches. I like everything and I didn't give 5 stars just because I installed this program on one computer, it was crashing right when I was trying to save it. I installed it on to the other computer and ran into the same problem. It's hard to imagine having to bad computers so I do suspect this program has some technical problems. But if you don't foget clicking "Save" time to time, you should be ok. ... Read more

Features

• Powerful, inexpensive office application suite
• Spreadsheet, word processor, presentation developer, and personal information manager
• Easy to use
• Interoperable with most other office programs
• Integrated with Web applications

Reviews (1)

WORD PERFECT 7.0 Will always Be There...
With all the Word Processors, Word Perfect still gives you more then all the others. The WYSISYG is much better then MS Word (IMHO) and easier to use. When I had to upgrade from WP 6, it was a bit getting used to but the feature I liked best is if you mis-type a word, it will be underlined in red so you can correct it or you can use QUICK CORRECT. The new blue lines showing you where the margins are and how to change within the document, WONDERFUL! WP 7 has more fonts , grapnics, and being able to write HTML is an added plus! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Microsoft Personal Collection 2001 includes four programs: Office Personal Portfolio 2002, Picture It Photo 2001, Money 2001 Standard, and Encarta Encyclopedia Standard 2001.

• Personal Portfolio contains 600 easy-to-use templates that help you do more with Microsoft Office. Organize your home life, club or organization, career, and schoolwork. Create seasonal calendars, holiday letters, meal planners, and recipe cards. Find templates for resumes, newsletters, flyers, stationery, or award certificates.
• Encarta 2001 includes a wealth of knowledge to enhance your understanding and knowledge of the world. Reference more than 36,000 up-to-date articles. Find relevant Web sites with one click in the Web Center.
• Money 2001 lets you easily track, analyze, and take control of your personal finances. Set up your accounts, schedule bills, and balance your checkbook. Track spending, make a budget, and manage your cash flow. Bank online with major financial institutions.
• Picture It! Photo 2001 makes good pictures great pictures. Crop, rotate, remove red eye, and sharpen your photos. Find 300 photo projects for cards, calendars, stickers, and more. Share photos easily through prints, e-mail, and the Web.

Reviews (2)

Great for College Students
ENCARTA: In college, I can't use an encyclopedia as a source on a paper. However, I can look things up with the encyclopedia, so I have some clue about the topic and can determine where I should look to future research the topic.

MONEY: This is really good for keeping track of all of my bills (tuition, books, car payments, insurance, credit cards, etc.) This program takes a little bit to get used to and you have to keep using it to see how effective it is, but it helps make managing money a little bit easier.

PICTURE IT! PHOTO: I have a program that came with my scanner that does a pretty good job. When I want to add the 'little extras' to graphics, I use this program. I can create effects with this program.

"No Longer a Skeptic"
At first I was reluctant to purchase this software (could be I was intimidated by the newness and unfamiliarity?). The installation was quite simple - just sit back and follow the simple instructions. I have used other software prior to Microsoft Personal Collection 2001 somewhat similar but not as sophisicated. I thoroughly enjoy using this software. I find me challenging myself to produce more projects, with the gratifiation that I they will be presented in a professional and neat format. I find this software to be very user friendly. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

An affordable suite of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation graphics applications, ThinkFree Office is perfect both for home and business users. Its powerful yet easy-to-use applications can seamlessly open, edit, and save directly to corresponding Microsoft Office file formats, including DOC, XLS, and PPT files. ThinkFree Write, Calc, and Show allow users to effortlessly exchange files with friends and coworkers using Microsoft Office applications. The unique, pure Java architecture enables ThinkFree Office to run on Windows or Macintosh operating systems. ThinkFree Office features integrated, Internet-based file sharing and storage with end-to-end security, and includes free online upgrades for one year. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent product
I just downloaded and installed the trial version. First it hanged on installation but after killing the process and installing again succedded. I do not mind that. But the main thing is the software is excellent, all useful features of word and excel are there. Price is comfortably cheap (Below $50). Cyber drive is a wonderful idea.

What a piece of pure c__p ! Unbelieveable !! Garbage
I bought Mac version [my platform os9.2, 640Mb on iBook]

It doesn't work, Period. Can't open anything.
Tech support doesn't exist. You get one acknowledgement
advising all the usual stuff that you've already tried, then
no more responses.

Try icWord -- trial ver -- that works.

AND, Amazon edited my review of it.
What bums !

Failed out of the box
In search of a Microsoft alternative... purchased ThinkFree office. Loaded it and tried to run it. It locked up my PC requiring the use of taskmaster to free it up. I am running XP on a new Dell Dimension with 1 gig of ram - all other programs run flawlessly. Disapointing

A Great Alternative to MS Office
Excluding email and Internet browser software, word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software is probably the most needed or used on the average personal computer. Enter ThinkFree Office, a Java-based office suite that takes care of almost any "office software" task the average computer user will need.

ThinkFree Office is comprised of "ThinkFree Write," a 'Word' like word processor, "ThinkFree Calc," an 'Excel' like spreadsheet application, "ThinkFree Show," which is very similar to 'PowerPoint,' and "ThinkFree Folders," a handy file manager application.

In my experience ThinkFree Office has been a powerful, easy to learn package that incorporates a well designed user interface and a majority of the most important features of MS Office. The toolbars and functional layout in ThinkFree Office are highly inspired by the Microsoft Office suite, and you'll feel nearly at home if you've used Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. ThinkFree Office can open and save the most common Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats, and it also makes a great HTML editor, clean and free of the Microsoft "gunk" tags that accompany a "Word" file saved as HTML.

The help files in ThinkFree Office are clear and easy to follow for the most part, but could be improved with more detail. The interface is easy to manage and there are pop-up descriptors for each item in the program's visible anatomy, and the icons are similar to other application's "standard" icons, so it's easy to determine what each toolbar item or button will do.

For all of its features and ease of use, ThinkFree Office is a bargain at [the price]. The fact that ThinkFree Office is written in Java, in my opinion, offers more advantages than disadvantages to the end user. For example, ThinkFree Office is available for nearly every significant computer platform, so it's a simple matter to work on or exchange files between Macintosh, Linux, Windows, etc. A particular feature that makes ThinkFree Office stand out is something called a "CyberDrive," which is a secure online file storage space that makes it easy to mirror files written to a local drive, or to create secure online backups. When you purchase ThinkFree Office you are given 20 MB of "CyberDrive" space free, for 1 year, and up to a gigabyte of space can be purchased, at an additional cost. This is a good idea, and is as easy to use as saving any file on a local drive. I expect this idea will catch on with other software publishers, and it will become a popular feature. As someone who works both at home and at an office I have found the CyberDrive to be really useful.

I am very satisfied with my purchase of ThinkFree Office. I feel as though I've been given a lot of value for the money, and I feel better supporting a worthy smaller company than the MS juggernaut for my "office" needs. If you've been waiting for a powerful cross-platform MS Office alternative, I would suggest giving ThinkFree Office seriouis consideration. ... Read more

Features

• Learn all about the new features in Word 2003 -- the essential new tools & techniques you need to master your documents
• Step-by-step instruction on creating styles and templates, or modifying & using the built-in style options
• Begin formatting, editing, and customizing documents in no time
• Access electronic dictionaries & thesaurus, and online research sites
• Use Smart Tags, XML and workgroup communications tools for better document sharing

Features

• Update your address book instantly, using Outlook, Palm Lotus Notes, ACT! and other popular tools
• Recognizes characters from up to 50 countries
• Scan & display your own business cards in color
• Synchronizes with your PDA and contact management tools

Features

• Specially designed for users to earn the Microsoft Office Specialist certification
• Two different skill levels, Core and Expert, to improve skills to the point of mastery
• Follow along with the step-by-step guidance and learn hidden tips & tricks that speed up productivity
• Complete glossary of technical terms and their definitions, for a quick reference to Excel 2002 terms
• Searchable index for easily navigating certain topics

Amazon.com Review

Long considered to be the discount cousin of Microsoft Office,Microsoft Works 6.0 is finally emerging as a proud relative able to holdits own in the world of home office applications.The addition of WorksPortfolio and Format Gallery make it even easier to create and manageprofessional-looking, functional, and creative documents, budgets,spreadsheets, calendars, and more.Best of all, the application costs afraction of what you would pay for Office 2000.

Installing Works 6.0 is a quick and easy process--within 15 minutes ofopening the box, we had it up and running. The application guides youthrough the process with ease and clarity, mainly because the programlacks the wide array of choices and features that often slow down aninstallation. At the heart of the application is the Task Launcher,which looks and feels like a Web site yet launches Works pages ratherthan Web pages. This resemblance may help put a novice user at ease byre-creating a familiar environment.

If you're looking to manage your household, Works 6.0 should give youall you need. The word processor covers all the basics, includingletters, labels, and résumés, with the added ability toinclude links to Web pages in all your documents.All documents createdin Works can be sent directly through the included e-mail application,while database and spreadsheet tools help you manage your time andmoney.This new version also allows you to organize and collect photos,links, documents, and more using the Works Portfolio.

People who useoffice-level applications should be aware that Works does not alwayssynch well with other programs. In addition, unless you want greaterorganizational capabilities or are looking for a wider selection offormatting options, it may not be necessary to upgrade from earlierversions.However, if you're looking for a cost-effective, easy-to-use,and efficient way to manage your household, Microsoft Works 6.0 is aproduct you can be proud to bring home. --Gisele Toueg ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Bloated but OKAY
This is a bloated program that contains hundreds of features that most people will not use. Nevertheless, after spending several hours trying to figure it out, I am generally pleased with it. I previously used Works 4.0 (a truly great program, fast, simple, easy) but was forced to upgrade to Works 6.0 due to my new operating system (Windows 2000). The word processor (Word 2000) has a nice look and contains lots of good features when you finally figure it out. My initial impression of this product was unfavorable -- too many features, too complicated -- but I have warmed up to it and feel that our good buddies at Microsoft have done their best to provide a versatile product. It's not an easy program to learn, but if you have the patience to work your way through it, you will probably like it. Bloated but OKAY.

Data Base Enthusiast
I like Works Data Base more than many other programs I use in my work.
I am constantly telling people to try it - but they prefer to flounder with Access. (That's like driving a semi-trailer when a small sedan is appropriate, in my opinion.)
I can manipulate the data base in many ways - and use if for book-keeping 3-4 large accounts.
I also use it for sorting our students and classes at a school, and for recording marks.
I find it very easy to use, and the only improvement I would like to see is an option to have more than 8 reports. (We have a school with ten classes - and I need 10 class reports!)
I think this data base should be advertised strongly and widely, in competition to others which are not so user friendly, and not so economical.

No PowerPoint or Publisher :-(
No point getting this software. Yes word, spreadsheet, database are cool but there is no presentation application. Just would cost me another arm and leg to obtain PowerPoint. If this is ok for you now, fine but what about when you want to advance your skills to learn the basic Office programs other than spreadsheets, database, calendar ...??

your web site
this is the stupidest web site I have ever used, I don't care about wish list I just want to buy an item. I would like to rate your products, but I doubt I will have the patiences to go through all steps just to purchase it.

Works 6.0 OK but not quite what I expected
Works 6.0 is a decent value for the money. However, I was disappointed that documents that I previously prepared using a password with Word will not open. I had expected Works 6.0 to have a full Word program but apparently it does not. The word "password" does not even appear in the Help index. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Four essential products in one package, Microsoft Personal Collection extends Office 97, 2000, and XP for personal and home use. Enhance your personal work in Microsoft Office. Edit photos to use in Microsoft Office documents. Select from hundreds of templates for your Microsoft Office applications. Improve your Microsoft Word reports and PowerPoint presentations with pictures and facts from Encarta. Export transaction data and account summaries to Excel with Money Link. Personal Collection 2002 includes: Microsoft Office Personal Portfolio 2002, Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia Standard 2002, Microsoft Money 2002 Standard, and Microsoft Picture It! Photo 2002. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Almost Perfect!
This is a simple but commendable collection of popular Microsoft products. Encarta Encyclopedia is great for looking up interesting articles and helping people getting information interesting topics relating to our world today. It's very helpful to kids who want to get the most of their education by getting insightful information about topics relating to class work. Money is a wonderful solution that provides many home users with the ability to manage their money well, with features for banking online and managing household finances. Picture It! Photo is satisfactory for removing a flaw or two in Photos, but will never compare to other photo-editing programmes such Adobe Photoshop Elements which I think is worth it more than this low end photo-editor from Microsoft. Office Portfolio is garbage I purchased it separately and was very much disappointed. The templates in Microsoft Office are much better, I would advise you stick to those. Overall its not a bad collection, but I think it could do with a little more spice, maybe if they dropped in one of the MS Office apps such Excel it would have made it a little bit worthier. If I could recommend another product it would be Corel WordPerfect Family Pack 4 or even Microsoft's own Works Suite 2003. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Let's see--a full-featured, interoperable, multiplatform office suitethat's light on your hard drive and drastically cheaper than thecompetition. Could it be true? Check out Sun StarOffice 5.2 Deluxe and find asleek alternative to Microsoft Office that's compatible with that suite's files,incorporates nearly all of the same tools and features, and runs on abreathtaking range of operating systems.

It might take a little noodling for Windows users to get the hang of theinterface, as it essentially takes over the desktop and changes a few thingsaround; after the learning period, though, you won't want to go back. Instead ofopening a new program for each type of file (text document, spreadsheet,database, image, appointment, Web page, etc.), simply tell StarOffice what youwant and each file opens in its own window, speeding up access considerably.OLE-style embedding is easy, and most of the look and feel will be comfortablefor Office users. Currently there's not much third-party support, and helpfunctions are ever present but inconsistent, so it's important to consider thecosts carefully before installing.

StarOffice is perfect for those switching to Linux or multiple operatingsystems, or any new user who needs an inexpensive office suite with plenty ofoptions. Current users of Microsoft Office might be better off sticking withUncle Bill--between learning new commands and the marginal differences betweenthe two, you might think inertia's not so bad after all. The programs includedwill definitely surpass your expectations if you consider price alone: thepresentation and drawing programs are simple and wonderful, the basic officefeatures of document and personal information management are intuitive, and thee-mail, news, and Web browsing are snappy. Integrated as they are with the wordprocessor, spreadsheet, and database functions, they all come together to form apowerful and inexpensive challenge to Microsoft Office. --Rob Lightner

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Interoperable with Microsoft Office
• Multiplatform--runs on Windows, Linux, OS/2, and more

• Little third-party support
• Underdocumented

Reviews (83)

A reasonably priced altternate to Microsoft Office Suite
Suns' StarOffice 5.2 Deluxe offers an integrated Word Processor, SpreadSheet, DataBase, Presentation Program, Calculation programe, Email, WYSWYG Website Editor and Browser. The software works well together, and has a short learning curve, although some of the features are difficult to locate at first, the process becomes easier in time. StarOffice uses Suns Java inplementation for several of its features, especially it's browser, and so runs roughly on slower systems (below 200 Mhz) but this is a minor drawback when you consider the price conpared to that of other full office Suites, like MicroSoft Office 2000, a comparable package. While the software can be downloaded for free from Sun's site, purchasing is makes sense if (1) you lack the bandwidth to download the nearly 80 MB of files, (2) you want to install the software on more than one computer, or (3) you want the documentation that comes with this CD. This would be a bargain at several times the price. StarOffice 5.2 can save files in a Office 97 0r 2000 format, and can read the files generated by those programs. As an alternate Office Suite, there is little support fo templates and tutorials on the web for this package, Although Amazon does carry "Sun Star Office 5.1 for Windows," which will help with most of the features in version 5.2. I recommend this for home and office use.

StarOffice 5.2 from SUN
StarOffice is a full-nelson office application suite from SUNwho purchased it originally from StarDivision of Germany. The latest version 5.2 is available on CD-ROMfrom SUN... (you "heard" me right!) and alternatively you may download it from SUN's website. But don't let the low low price fool you or sway you from getting a copy now! I once looked up the price back when this product was StarDivision property, and it was in the range of 500 Deutche Marks (I'll let you do the monetary translation.)

StarOffice is available natively for the following operating system platforms: Linux, Solaris, and Windows. Version 5.1b is still available for OS/2 users. As a side note, SUN also has a "StarPortal" version initiative going on to bring Office productivity services via the internet.

StarOffice consists of the following fully integrated applications: Wordprocessor, Spreadsheet, Presentation, Scheduler, Graphics/Drawing, Email, Database, GUI FTP-client, GUI HTML-editor, and more. Users moving to StarOffice can open and edit their old MS Word, Excel and Powerpoint, Lotus Amipro/Word or 123 files, but many more file formats are supported including StarOffice native file formats. Webmasters can build HTML websites withStarOffice's HTML GUI-editor, Java support, graphics tools, and full FTP client to make editing and saving web documents up on the server or locally fully seamless. Email support includes POP3/IMAP/LDAP/SENDMAIL/NEWS, and you can setup multiple email accounts simultaneously.

StarOffice installs in about 15 minutes (with server or local options possible), looks and feels exactly the same across platforms, and you can run it as an independent application or as your replacement desktop. It has it's own "Start Menu" that presents you with all your programs, as well as all your desktop icons. You can see a great deal of thought went into the design of this product with an integrated workspace in mind.

Office managers looking to save money by avoiding more expensive products and licensing issues may find their holy grail in StarOffice from SUN, with the added benefit of support for multiple computer platforms. Home computer users will save a bundle too, and yet still be able to work with their old MS Word documents, etc.

StarOffice is a product whose time has come. You are certainly missing out if you pass it by....

by Peter Baitz, the trimatrix group, llc,

Awesome alternative to MS Office
Using the program is very simple, and all programs in Star Office can be saved in MS Office formats. A awesome alternative to MS Office.

Far more than just an office suite.
StarOffice 5.2 has most all the office component capabilities one needs; spreadsheet, word processor, database, draw program, visual basic and macros, etc. However, with OpenOffice.org developer support, this core "office suite" is only a starting point for many possible applications. Applications interfaces such as "point of sale" or "scientific instrumentation" can be built on this office component core. StarOffice 5.2 is, in effect, a visual component library that works on many operating system and hardware platforms. This puts StarOffice in a class by itself.

HELP!
I am not a dummy, but I think that I need StarOffice 5.2 for Dummies also. As one of the others has stated. I have had nothing but problems getting this thing installed and finally gave up! It is just a big mess! And now I cannot get it to completely uninstall and it is causing a lot of complications with my system? I cannot understand what is going on here. I have tried everything! It seems it isn't installed completely, so I can't actually use it, but I can't uninstall anything more than I already have and my systems still says it is there and it is reaking havoc on my system! I am glad to see that there a few other people out there that seems to be having the same problem that I have. I thought I was losing my mind for a while there.
ARGH! ... Read more