OpenOffice.org 2.0

. Interoperable with every major office suite, including Microsoft Office, version 2 adds a new database module and advanced XML capabilities as well as native support for the internationally standardized OpenDocument format, which several countries, as well as the state of Massachusetts, have established as the default for office documents. The new database module, Base, complements the word processor (Writer), spreadsheet manager (Calc), presentation manager (Impress) and drawing tool (Draw) modules. In addition, version 2 features a redesigned user interface, improved PDF support, an improved spreadsheet module, enhanced desktop integration and the ability to easily create, edit and use XForms. Version 2 is currrently only available for Mac OS X via the X11 window system.

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. Version 2 also brings new word count functions, supports digital signatures on documents, and offers native-format installers for various platforms.

by MacNN Staff