Apache OpenOffice is a free open source office suite that includes six applications: Writer (word processor), Calc (spreadsheets), Impress (presentations), Draw (diagramming and graphics), Base (database), and Math (formulas).
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Lark
Score 10.0 out of 10
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Lark, or Larksuite, is a take on office suite software that supports workplace collaboration. Founded in 2016, Lark combines messaging, schedule management and online collaborative documents in a single platform. Lark is available now on macOS, Windows, iOS and Android.
In my opinion, Apache OpenOffice is best suited for writing, editing and proofreading texts in any language. You can also download additional language packages that really take up little space in your PC's storage. Of course, Apache OpenOffice is comprehensive of spreadsheet-/drawing-/database-related softwares and so on, but I primarily use it for writing and editing my own texts. I don't see any scenarios where it is less appropriate, at least so far.
Since I work from home, Larksuite is quite helpful to me because we need a way to communicate even when we are working from home. I'm glad that Larksuite is available to us because we constantly need assistance from our supervisor and quality assurance staff. You can also let others know you won't be available at that time by using interface like "Do not disturb," "In Meeting," or "Taking a Break" in Larksuite. Larksuite's ability to let us attach crucial files, pin crucial communications, and build calendars for scheduled meetings and events is by far its most interesting feature. Larksuite can be used in meetings. I remember when we first started using Larksuite Video Meetings for our discussions, I was astounded to see an interface that allowed you to view on your own the file the speaker had provided. I believe that using Larksuite for our video conference makes things more simpler because everything you need is already there.
The number one strength of OpenOffice is the flexibility it gives. We can open any file type, save any file type - it's pretty much invincible. Even if we're going to work on this in a different program, just being able to open some of these ancient files that we get from local city governments is a huge win for us.
It's also administrator friendly - I'll use it a lot on the road because the licensing is so much easier to deal with than trying to check out a license from a server or make sure that everybody has internet connectivity.
It just looks pretty! It's legitimately a quality product, the layout looks good, it's not nearly as pushy as "other suites," and for the money it's the best!
It is a cheap alternative; however, with Microsoft 365 licenses also dropping significantly, we might opt to go in that direction to maintain uniformity.
It's good overall, just the UI it's not the prettiest, feels like an older version of MS office, but gets the job done. Once get the hang of it it's easy to use, besides it has great documentation on how to use it and there are many forums that discuss many related topics.
Is there really support? There is a user forum but I do not see much developer input. Support options are limited. The most recent (Sept 2019) version of the product seems to have issues operating under Windows 10, yet there are few recent comments in the community forum, most comments are regarding older versions.
Apache OpenOffice is less intense on our computer systems and saves us a ton of financial resources. Since our document creation and editing needs are typical of a small business and not very complex, Apache OpenOffice is sufficient for us. We think that almost any smaller to medium sized business would feel the same way if they don't have a need to make or edit complex documents.
