Free open-source office suite

The Apache Software Foundation received the free open-source office suite from Oracle Corporation in 2011 and has managed the platform since then. Launched as Apache OpenOffice in 2012, it’s available for Linux, Mac, and Microsoft Windows. The main functions consist of a word processor, presentations, spreadsheets, formula editing, and more.

What is Apache OpenOffice?

Apache OpenOffice provides a complete office suite that rivals the likes of Microsoft 365, specifically in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. It lets you manage your projects more effectively while presenting support for several file formats. The chief benefit over alternative programs is that this one is free to download and use.

Here’s a list of the software packages you’ll have access to:

• Writer: This tool is a word processor for writing any content you require, such as letters, reports, and articles.
• Calc: You can use this powerful spreadsheet to analyze, calculate, and present information with advanced graphical reporting.
• Impress: Here’s a program you’ll need for multimedia presentations when you need to impress your clients at the next meeting.
• Draw: If you have some artistic skill or requirements, you can design anything from plain diagrams to 3D drawings.
• Base: This feature lets you create and manipulate database information with ease, providing forms, queries, tables, and reports to use for your next project.
• Math: You won’t find a mere calculator here. The module has several formulas, presenting a straightforward interface to edit any of the inputs to receive a solution.

There are regular updates and the latest version has fewer errors and improved functionality. The software isn’t only available in English. You can choose from several additional languages. The developer is so keen on ensuring worldwide access that, should your native language not be available, you can request it through the support team.

Apache OpenOffice has found uses in numerous industries, such as government, business, non-profit, IT, and F/OSS Advocates, to name a few. It’s also the first program to rely on the OASIS OpenDocument Format as a standard file format. Since the platform is free, you can distribute copies of your files to colleagues, friends, and family at no cost.

Is Apache OpenOffice the same as OpenOffice?

Between 1985 and 1999, Star Division operated an office suite called StarOffice. It had similar features, consisting of a few programs for simple writing, editing, and calculations that evolved. In 1999, Sun Microsystems took the software for use within their business, advancing it to meet their requirements and renaming it to OpenOffice.org (OOo).

Branded as OpenOffice, they developed it further to include word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, drawing, and formulas. Finally, in 2000, the company made it open-source to compete with the Microsoft Office Suite. It was still a commercial product at that time, but that would soon change.

Oracle Corporation was the owner of Sun Microsystems by 2010. It decided to donate the platform to Apache Software Foundation. The free open-source version you can enjoy today is derived from the original StarOffice and subsequent OpenOffice package.

Which is better: Apache OpenOffice or LibreOffice?

The first significant difference between LibreOffice and Apache OpenOffice is that the former receives more regular updates. Of course, there’s a plus and a negative side to this benefit. You’re assured of frequent fixes and new features, while there’s also the opportunity for more glitches to occur.

When it comes to the utilities, both offer similar tools. Howeber, there’s only one exception. LibreOffice also features Charts as an extra option. This function helps you add the necessary graphics to your presentations or spreadsheets, giving you that edge at important meetings.

Apache OpenSource wins the trophy when it comes to languages, though. If you select English when you set up LibreOffice, you’re stuck with it until you uninstall and reinstall the program. Apache’s platform has plugins so that you can alter the language as needed.

While we mentioned that Apache OpenSource could work with multiple file formats, it can’t save them in as many. If you’re keen to send files for your family to open in Excel or PowerPoint, LibreOffice is the better option. It saves them in the desired format, which is then accessible to whomever you send it to in Microsoft 365.

Is Apache OpenOffice compatible with Windows 10?

The office suite by Apache Software Foundation is completely compatible with Windows 10. One of the latest updates lets the system build OpenOffice SDK with Java 8. 

There have also been various bug fixes and a resolution to the issue with warnings about the Java version being defective. Several language dictionaries have also received updates with new terms.

Is Apache OpenOffice safe to use?

The software is supported by an Apache OpenOffice security team who ensures that every safety concern is addressed. You can use a checksum to see if there’s any file corruption in the download you received, while the site also has some tips for protecting your documents. If you’re worried about any of your stored information being shared, you should check out the Apache Software Foundation’s Privacy Policy.

You should be aware of the specific Apache OpenOffice trademarks you can’t use without permission from the Apache Software Foundation. Certain logos and online items have copyrights assigned to them, so you need to make sure you look at the site to confirm what you may freely use.

The power of office documents at your fingertips

Microsoft 365 may be one of the top office suite brands in the world, but it comes at a hefty price. Apache OpenOffice delivers the same document types with only a few limiting features. If you’re running a small business or need something for personal use, this platform can meet your needs without emptying your wallet.

OpenOffice.org is both an open-source product and a project. The product is a multiplatform office productivity suite. It includes desktop applications such as a word processor, a spreadsheet program, a presentation manager, and a drawing program, with a user interface and feature set similar to those of other office suites. OpenOffice.org also works transparently with a variety of file formats, including those of Microsoft Office.

Localizations of OpenOffice.org are available in 27 languages, with more being constantly added by the community. OpenOffice.org runs on Solaris, Linux (including PPC Linux), and Windows. Written in C++ and with documented APIs licensed under the LGPL and SISSL open-source protocols, OpenOffice.org allows any knowledgeable developer to benefit from the source.