Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Kali

(54,990 posts)
Mon Nov 28, 2016, 07:24 PM Nov 2016

is open office still a good program?

moving to a new desktop, should I buy Mocrosoft or get OO?

I never used much - I have some databases on really old microsoft software that the new computer can't open, so I need to fix that.

I write some occasional letters or make other documents but not much.

I have no clue how to use excell but probably ought to learn...

10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

eppur_se_muova

(36,227 posts)
1. You can also choose Libre Office, a fork of Open Office ...
Mon Nov 28, 2016, 07:38 PM
Nov 2016

apparently, OO isn't true open source, and LO is, FWIW.

What software did you use to create those databases ?

Kali

(54,990 posts)
3. it says "microsoft works" at the top
Mon Nov 28, 2016, 07:58 PM
Nov 2016

I started them YEARS ago so I don't even remember how I got them to work on the last computer...may even still have the cd's somewhere

eppur_se_muova

(36,227 posts)
5. Good chance they'll open in later Excel. Only one way to find out.
Mon Nov 28, 2016, 08:08 PM
Nov 2016

Sorry I can't offer any advice there, I never much used spreadsheets.

Kali

(54,990 posts)
6. hmmm I guess I could try sending one to my sister or something
Mon Nov 28, 2016, 09:11 PM
Nov 2016

and see if she can open it

I am downloading libre office now, will see if that works.

 

Ron Obvious

(6,261 posts)
2. I'd stick with OO or go with LibreOffice
Mon Nov 28, 2016, 07:51 PM
Nov 2016

Considering your usage pattern. I use the latter myself and I have no complaints about it. There might be minor formatting issues you might encounter, but probably not. Its Excel equivalent is fine too.

What was the really old Microsoft database software? Was it Works by any chance? I don't know if OO can read that off-hand.

Kali

(54,990 posts)
4. yes I think it was Works
Mon Nov 28, 2016, 08:02 PM
Nov 2016

that is what they say at the top, started them two or three computers ago. may still have the cd's somewhere.

so maybe they can't even be read now?

 

Ron Obvious

(6,261 posts)
7. If it's a .wps file, give it a try in OO/LibreOffice Calc
Mon Nov 28, 2016, 09:27 PM
Nov 2016

I see Microsoft Works and Microsoft Mac Works (*.wps) listed among the openable filetypes.

ETA: This is LibreOffice 5.1. I just got a notice there's another update out.

Latest Discussions»Help & Search»Computer Help and Support»is open office still a go...