Re: Star Office

[Jeff Hanvey <jewahe -at- yahoo -dot- com>]

--- Mark Dempsey <dempseys3 -at- yahoo -dot- com> wrote:
> I'm wondering whether anyone's been using Sun's Star
> Office (old or recent release), particularly as
> their
> word processor.

First the disclaimer: I never used the program for
more than basic word processing - and really for
nothing longer than short notes or memos - so I really
can't discuss the functionality of it (how it handles
graphics, how good the macros are, et cetera). The
idea behind StarOffice was to totally ingetrate the
different functionalities, so that inserting a
spreadsheet into the word processor would be easy and
smooth.

I used the 5.0 version, I think - the one release just
before Sun acquired it. Here's my review:

*The program loads as a package. That's equivalent to
having Outlook, Word, Excel, the Office Toolbar, and
several other programs open at once. I found that it 
was a serious drain on system resources. For this
reason, I would hesitate to use it for long documents.
*The interface takes over the desktop completely -
it's kind of like Outlook in that regard (if you have
the desktop toolbar on). If I remember correctly, it
wasn't easy to switch this function off - and may be
impossible.
*I never figured out how to set up/send email. The
interface wasn't helpful or intuitive. I also recall
having problems finding basic word processing
necessities, such as settings for indents, margins,
and the like.

I would also be interested in hearing what others
would have to say.

=====
Jeff Hanvey
Memphis, TN

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