OpenOffice.org ArticlesI was one of the first writers to take OpenOffice.org for a topic.(For those who don't know, OpenOffice.org is a free alternative to MS Word. It's philosophically free, free for the download, and works on Windows, GNU/Linux and several other platforms. Overall, it compares favorably with MS Office -- it's stronger in some areas, and weaker in others.) In March 2004, I began the OpenOffice.org Off-the-Wall column for the Linux Journal web site, and I have continued writing about the subject in my blog, as well as the occasional other article. I've tried to be as honest as possible in these articles, praising OpenOffice.org when it does something right and be equally critical when it does something wrong. A number of people have asked me for a complete listing of my articles on OpenOffice.org. The OpenOffice.org Documentation Project very kindly offered to host the listing, but I'll do a better job of keeping them updated from this site. Articles are listed with the most recent publications first: OpenOffice.org Template CollectionsOpenOffice.org doesn't come with many templates. But, with a little searching, you can find hundreds.Extensions for OpenOffice.org DrawLeading extensions for OpenOffice.org's Draw application.OpenOffice.org Extensions: Writer's ToolsExtensions for OpenOffice.org's Drawing application.Extensions for OpenOffice.org ImpressSome ways to extend the functionality of OpenOffice.org's slide show program.New add-ons for OpenOffice.org WriterOpenOffice.org extensions have come a long way since I first wrote about them several years ago. Here, I look at some of the more interesting ones for the Writer word processor.Faxing in OpenOffice.orgFaxes are the technology that just won't die. In this article, I explain the various options for faxing in OpenOffice.org, including an extension that connects you directly to the eFax service.Rounding off numbers in OpenOffice.org CalcA survey of the various functions for rounding off numbers in OpenOffice.org spreadsheets.OpenOffice.org Calc: Basic arithmetic and statistical functionsHow to hyphenate and set up line breaks in OOo to proffessional standards.Paragraph and page spacing in OOo WriterHow to hyphenate and set up line breaks in OOo to proffessional standards.Creating Business Cards in OOo WriterHow to hyphenate and set up line breaks in OOo to proffessional standards.Text flow in OOo WriterHow to hyphenate and set up line breaks in OOo to proffessional standards.Confessions of an unjustified sinner: Using justification in OOo WriterAn explanation of how to use full justification to best effect in Writer.Adding contents automatically in CalcLike any spreadsheet, OpenOffice.org Calc can be labour intensive -- but there are ways to reduce the workload.OpenOffice.org Calc: Pivot tables by another nameCalc's datapilots are the same as Excel's pivot tables: A way to reorganize data and gain new insights into it.Options in OpenOffice.org CalcA summary of the configuration choices, tips, and tricks for OpenOffice.org's spreadsheet program.OpenOffice.org charts undergo cosmetic surgeryA preview of the changes due in the charting sub-system of the free office suite.Desktop publishing with OpenOffice.orgPeople are constantly asking for desktop publishing tools to be added to OpenOffice.org. What they don't know is that it already contains the tools for mid-level desktop publishing.OpenOffice.org Calc function toolsA survey of the tools you can use to make your manipulations of functions and formulas more easily.OpenOffice.org Calc functions, part 2: Working with formulasIn this second installment of a two part article, I explain the basics of entering and using formulas in Calc.OpenOffice.org Calc functions, part 1: understanding functionsIn this first installment of a two part article, I explain why functions, I explain what functions are and how they are structured.Configuring OpenOffice.org WriterA tour of the configuration options for the Writer application.Now revealed! Secrets of line spacing in OpenOffice.org WriterThe options for line spacing in Writer are obscure and not explained in the online help. In this blog entry, I try to decipher what is actually happening, and suggest the best option for those wishing to take advantage of OpenOffice.org's desktop publishing features.Formatting Cells in OpenOffice.org CalcTips for formatting cells in Calc spreadsheets, including what the important features are, alternative formatting tools, and the importance of using cell styles.Printing in OpenOffice.org Calc, Part 2: Print selection and printer optionsAlthough page styles are one of the most useful tools for printing Calc spreadsheets, they are far from the only ones. How you set up pages for printing and the printer or export options are also part of the arsenal.Printing in OpenOffice.org Calc, Part 1: Page StylesOpenOffice.org Calc offers more help than most spreadsheets with printing, starting with the introduction of page styles.Manipulating lists in OpenOffice.org CalcProbably the most common task in spreadsheets is manipulating lists. Here's how.The Changing Face of Charts in OpenOffice.orgCharts are probably the worst feature in OpenOffice.org -- but some relief is on the way.extended PDF: Professional PDF Controls for OpenOffice.orgOpenOffice.org comes with PDF export built-in. But if you really want to control your PDF output, you need extendedPDF.OpenOffice.org ExtensionsOpenOffice.org extensions are a quick way to add functionality. Explore them, and you'll never know what you may find.Hide and Go Seek with Writer ContentBy using Writer's hide functions, you no longer need to worry about multiple versions of a document remaining in sync.Combining Documents with OpenOffice.orgBefore you ask for a Reveal Codes feature like the one in WordPerfect, try learning how to use the tools offered in Writer.That's Your Version: Version Control in OpenOffice.orgLearn how to use Writer's version control tools to keep track of who made which changes and when, without diving into big CMS applications.The Elephant in the Living RoomA look at how the OOo project balances being similar to MS Office with maintaining its unique, better features.Find and ReplaceAs with most tasks, OOo offers severaloptions for searching and replacing text or strings in your documents. Doing a little research beforehand can save time and frustration later on.Master DocumentsIf the mere mention ofmaster documentsbrings back memories of corrupted files and lost data, give Writer a chance to show you they're not all bad. Domesticating AutoCorrectDon't you hate it when the word completion feature wants to finish your words for you? Or do you love it? Learn how to customize (or kill) Autocorrect in OOo and live in word-processing peace.Adding Autotext to Your WorkflowIt's not flashy, but if you're re-using text often or need to streamline your template and macro lists, spend a little time with Autotext.Back to School with BibliographiesSetting up a bibliography is hard enough, but misleading OOo examples don't help the process. Learn how to do it the right way.Recovering Hidden TreasuresCan't find your favorite functionality tools and shortcuts in 2.0? They still might be available, if you know where to look. Sharing Files Between OpenOffice.org and MS OfficeEven if you're the most dedicate OpenOffice.org user in the world, sooner or later you'll be asked to share files with someone using Microsoft Office. With a few preparations, you can usually manage the sharing with a minimum of headaches on both sides.What New Users Need to Know About OpenOffice.orgOOo does somethings quite differently than other office applications. So what should you know going in for the first time?
Tabling the Notion, Part 2Although not as versatile as a spreadsheet, table formulas in OOo Writer can help you automate more of your work. Tabling the Notion, Part 1How to add, design and manipulate tables in OOo 2.0. Fielding Questions, Part 4 - Mail MergesIt takes a while to get the hang of mail merges, but OOo 2.0's new Mail Merge Wizard helps make them easier to use.
Fielding Questions, Part 3How to use fields for editing and content management.Fielding Questions, Part 2 - Cross References and User-Defined FieldsTips and workarounds to get you through the sometimes frustrating process of creating cross-references in Writer documents.Fielding Questions, Part 1 - The BasicsFields aren't supposed to mess up your documents and make you pull out your hair -- learn when fields are useful and how to use them.ToCs, Indexes and Bibliographies in OOo WriterA new way of thinking about and tagging a document's table of contents and other supporting features makes sense and is more convenient.My Objects All SublimeWhat are your options when adding graphics and other objects to an OpenOffice.org Writer document?
Floating WindowsOpenOffice.org's extensive use of floating windows puts some of the most-used editing tools at your fingertips.Macros and Add-onsThe OOo community has begun to release some macros and add-ons to extend the functionality of the office suite.
The Outlining and the EcstasyWith a bit of practice and some of these tips, you can become an outlining pro, even if you haven't done an outline since Freshmen Comp. Getting in the FrameA discussion of how to use frame styles in OOo Writer.
Setting Up Page Styles in OOo WriterA little planning ahead will make your word processing tasks easier and keep your documents looking consistent as they grow.It's Numbering, but Not as We Know ItNumbered and bulleted lists that don't disappear, switch, realign themselves or otherwise make your life miserable.Paragraph Styles, Part IIWriter offers a bag of tricks for when you want to do a bit more than the normal with paragraph styles and formatting.Shooting the SunPositioning options for paragraph styles in OOo.Building CharactersLearning about character styles in OOo Writer.Fonts of WisdomAdvice for installing and choosing fonts in OpenOffice.org.Style Is Everything, Right?A guide for when and how to use styles instead of manual overrides in OpenOffice.org documents.Bullet Proof TemplatesHow templates function differently in OpenOffice.org than they do in Office, and why OpenOffice.org's are better.11 Tips for Moving to OpenOffice.orgReplacing a complicated piece of software like an office suite can be a major undertaking. But, if you apply a few simple rules to make sure your needs are met, you'll be ready to be productive on the new software right away.Home | Blog | Journalism | Magazines | Misc. | OpenOffice.org | Teaching | Contact |
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