[HLUG] OpenOffice 3.0.1 problems on Windows

[Paul Stenning]

Well two of my attempts at banging the open source drum has failed 
miserably.

I installed OpenOffice 3.0.1 on a PC for a client and he is having 
regular problems with the spreadsheet program crashing with large 
spreadsheets, often when trying to save but it can happen at any point. 
  He does telesales, is sent the spreadsheet by the client, has to enter 
the results of each call, then send it back.  If it crashes he loses the 
results and if he can't remember all the calls (at around 30 calls per 
hour he can't be expected to) he has to call them all back, try not to 
sound incompetent,  and not get paid for that time.

The PC is running Vista Home Premium, and have enough RAM (2GB).  It is 
a fresh Windows installation with no viruses detected by NOD32.  Other 
similar and lower spec PCs running Microsoft Office 2003 handle the 
spreadsheets with no problems.  So they are now getting another 
Microsoft Office (2007) license and want "this OpenOffice rubbish" removing.

I also installed it on a couple of PCs for another client and they are 
having problems with .RTF files (when opening some menu options are not 
available) and with page layout differences when opening .DOC files in 
OpenOffice compared to Microsoft office.  Again they want the Microsoft 
version "which works properly".

OpenOffice may be good for casual users but it cannot cope with more 
heavy-duty use or in environments where some users have Microsoft Office 
already.

I know this is a whinge, and I know OpenOffice is free, but we have to 
accept the limitations as well as the benefits of open source.

-- 

Best regards,
Paul Stenning

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