Computer Help and Support

Kali

(55,736 posts) Mon Nov 28, 2016, 06:24 PM Nov 2016

is open office still a good program?

moving to a new desktop, should I buy Mocrosoft or get OO?

I never used much - I have some databases on really old microsoft software that the new computer can't open, so I need to fix that.

I write some occasional letters or make other documents but not much.

I have no clue how to use excell but probably ought to learn...

10 replies

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is open office still a good program? (Original Post) Kali Nov 2016 OP

You can also choose Libre Office, a fork of Open Office ... eppur_se_muova Nov 2016 #1

it says "microsoft works" at the top Kali Nov 2016 #3

Good chance they'll open in later Excel. Only one way to find out. eppur_se_muova Nov 2016 #5

hmmm I guess I could try sending one to my sister or something Kali Nov 2016 #6

I'd stick with OO or go with LibreOffice Ron Obvious Nov 2016 #2

yes I think it was Works Kali Nov 2016 #4

If it's a .wps file, give it a try in OO/LibreOffice Calc Ron Obvious Nov 2016 #7

the new version of LO calc worked Kali Nov 2016 #10

Google docs works great and all you need is a Google account Egnever Nov 2016 #8

interesting Kali Nov 2016 #9

eppur_se_muova

(37,397 posts)

1. You can also choose Libre Office, a fork of Open Office ...

Reply to Kali (Original post)

Mon Nov 28, 2016, 06:38 PM

Nov 2016

apparently, OO isn't true open source, and LO is, FWIW.

What software did you use to create those databases ?

Kali

(55,736 posts)

3. it says "microsoft works" at the top

Reply to eppur_se_muova (Reply #1)

Mon Nov 28, 2016, 06:58 PM

Nov 2016

I started them YEARS ago so I don't even remember how I got them to work on the last computer...may even still have the cd's somewhere

eppur_se_muova

(37,397 posts)

5. Good chance they'll open in later Excel. Only one way to find out.

Reply to Kali (Reply #3)

Mon Nov 28, 2016, 07:08 PM

Nov 2016

Sorry I can't offer any advice there, I never much used spreadsheets.

Kali

(55,736 posts)

6. hmmm I guess I could try sending one to my sister or something

Reply to eppur_se_muova (Reply #5)

Mon Nov 28, 2016, 08:11 PM

Nov 2016

and see if she can open it

I am downloading libre office now, will see if that works.

Ron Obvious

(6,261 posts)

2. I'd stick with OO or go with LibreOffice

Reply to Kali (Original post)

Mon Nov 28, 2016, 06:51 PM

Nov 2016

Considering your usage pattern. I use the latter myself and I have no complaints about it. There might be minor formatting issues you might encounter, but probably not. Its Excel equivalent is fine too.

What was the really old Microsoft database software? Was it Works by any chance? I don't know if OO can read that off-hand.

Kali

(55,736 posts)

4. yes I think it was Works

Reply to Ron Obvious (Reply #2)

Mon Nov 28, 2016, 07:02 PM

Nov 2016

that is what they say at the top, started them two or three computers ago. may still have the cd's somewhere.

so maybe they can't even be read now?

Ron Obvious

(6,261 posts)

7. If it's a .wps file, give it a try in OO/LibreOffice Calc

Reply to Kali (Reply #4)

Mon Nov 28, 2016, 08:27 PM

Nov 2016

I see Microsoft Works and Microsoft Mac Works (*.wps) listed among the openable filetypes.

ETA: This is LibreOffice 5.1. I just got a notice there's another update out.