For a while we've known it would be soon, but now it's here, Open Office 2.0. I haven't had the opportunity to download and try it (yet :) but the list of "what's new" looks good:
New InterfaceI'm getting a new laptop soon, I think I may well ditch MS Office completely this time. Hurray! If only there was an Open Source web editor that was a patch on Dreamweaver...
...The introduction of multi-pane views, floating toolbars and native desktop integration in all modules, provides a familiar interface and a great deal of flexibility in how the user can interact with the application. Of course, OpenOffice.org provides for extensive customisation of the menus, toolbars and shortcuts to suit the particular needs of any user.
Database Module (OpenOffice.org Base)
This release sees the debut of OpenOffice.org Base, a database module capable of creating self-contained, portable and cross-platform database applications....
Any database application developed in OpenOffice.org using this database platform is immediately portable to users on any operating system supported by the OpenOffice.org office suite.
OpenDocument Format
...OpenOffice.org 2.0 is the first open source office suite to offer full support for the OpenDocument format, an XML file format specification suitable for office applications including text, spreadsheets, charts, and graphical documents...
Enhanced PDF Export
...The PDF export now gives greater control over the quality and size of PDFs generated as well as providing support for links, indexes, forms, thumbnails and presentation transition effects.
XForms
XForms are now much easier to create, edit and use, thanks to their complete integration inside OpenOffice.org. XForms support is important as this represents one more steps in the direction of more interactivity and connectivity inside documents. OpenOffice.org definitely leads in this direction and does this in by supporting standards, freedom and openness. XForms is the standard for web forms defined by the W3C consortium (http://www.w3c.org/), the body defining the web standards.
Improvements to Calc (Spreadsheet)
Compatibility
Significant improvements have been made in the functionality of proprietary office suite filters, allowing for improved compatibility between office applications, including Microsoft Office...
Word Count
...has now been extended to include advanced information including a count of selected words and characters. This feature has now been moved to a more accessible location.
[to Del.icio.us]
I have used Ooo since its realease in version 1. It is fantastic! I have never had a crash and had very few compatibility problems.
The only thing I havn't ditched is MS Powrpoint, Ooo doesn't quite come up to the mark, though I suspect that 2.0 is much improved, but I haven't tested it yet.
Having just installed the Linux based Kubuntu on an old machine, I am considering ditching Microsoft forever!
By 
Graham Doel, at
October 21, 2005 10:05 PM
Yes, my one disappointment is that they haven't listed much for Impress. I've found OO great to use. I've been using MSOffice on this machine as it is the College standard, and we have a complex template for courses whose layout does not transfer well between the two.
I can't really use Linux yet, as Dreamweaver is so good at keeping track of complex websites, and I don't know of a Linux alternative... and I'm not sure BibleWorks would run under Wine...
By 
Tim, at
October 22, 2005 5:38 AM
