Apache OpenOffice vs. Read&Write

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.

Incentivized

Read&Write is a top-notch accessibility feature. It is easy to use across all ages and can be implemented in many different ways. It is best used with individuals requiring reading & writing support, but it is also an excellent tool to use with all students!

Incentivized

• 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!

Incentivized

• text-to-speech is great. lots of options for voices and speed
• gives both word prediction and talk&type as writing supports
• the fact that it is a toolbar that can be used in native programs is huge for our students because it allows them to be independent in their learning activities
• Read&Write is very intuitive and requires very little training for the text-to-speech tools so it is very easy to train students and staff

Incentivized

• There seem to be issues using this app in Windows 10. It worked fine when we used it on Windows 7, but after we upgraded the network with NEW Win 10 computers, it takes a very long time to process commands.
• It will not allow any upgrades.

Incentivized

• The text-to-speech option sometimes gets glitchy. The sound doesn't always match up to the visual feedback.
• When creating lists of vocabulary, it is often difficult to highlight single words. Also, when using word lists, the last word is often left off.

Incentivized

It is a cheap alternative; however, with Microsoft 365 licenses also dropping significantly, we might opt to go in that direction to maintain uniformity.

Incentivized

As an assistive technology software that revolutionizes literacy experiences. With features like text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and vocabulary tools, it empowers learners of all abilities. Its impact extends beyond the classroom, fostering engagement, accessibility, and personalized learning.

Incentivized

It is so easy to use and produces quality work comparable to its paid competitor, Microsoft Office. I highly recommend this free software to any who need to make the switch to powerful and free Office software.

Incentivized

Extremely user friendly and easy to use

Incentivized

Highly available

Incentivized

Integrates well and quickly

Incentivized

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.

Incentivized

The support team has always responded to any contact quickly and followed up on any ongoing concerns in a timely fashion. They are always willing to problem solve. If they can not resolve your concern, they always ensure ideas are flagged to the development crew

Incentivized

We found that it is possible to use Open Office to accomplish everything we need. Some tasks required searching for steps on Google.

Incentivized

Still trying to get all schools and teachers to buy in that students need this access

Incentivized

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.

Incentivized

I've always found Read&Write superior to Kurzweil and we do have a small volume/web license of K3000 for those students that have used it in the past and I am not able to convert them to Read&Write. Dragon is one of the Speech Recognition options. I lean towards using the Windows 11 Voice access feature as i find it superior to Read&Write in terms of accuracy. Dragon is reserved to those that need to build a custom vocabulary. I do show the Talk&Type feature in students are on Windows 10 or earlier.

Incentivized

Easy to use

Incentivized

• Moving to OpenOffice will save the company the cost of 500+ of Microsoft Office licenses in our company.
• Because it is cross-platform, we could also save 500+ of Microsoft Windows licenses if we move everyone to Linux.
• On the negative side, the lack of online collaboration and browser support may be an issue when you use clouds like Box, Workboard etc.

Incentivized

• It is a huge support for learners to be able to access text materials that are beyond their reading ability. It allows everyone to be included.
• There is a motivation factor to engage learners to encourage students to attempt to complete work.
• The OrbitNote tool's continued evolution will make it more complete to use on an iPad.
• Read&Write on the iPad is a more functional wordprocessor which allows us to use it as a more supportive option for learners.

Incentivized