OpenOffice.org Writer can perform many of the same word processing functions as Microsoft Word. Letters, memos, flyers, envelopes and labels are just a few examples of things that can be created in Writer.
Some Similarities
When Writer is first opened, the screen looks like a blank document, just as it would in Microsoft Word. There is a menubar, toolbars and the white, blank document. The menu bar behaves the same as would a menu bar in any given window. Click on the menu item and see the corresponding menu appear below. Make choices from the list by clicking on one of the selections. The toolbar also behaves the same, the toolbar buttons are shortcuts to specific actions.
Basic Differences for the Casual User
There are notable differences when comparing Writer and Word. One worth mentioning is the ability to convert a document into a PDF. A big plus, since this is not an option in Word without applying an add-on. In fact, the ability to convert to PDF is available in all but the database application in OpenOffice.org.
Converting a Writer document to PDF is simple. When ready:
- Click the "Export Directly as PDF" button on the Standard Toolbar, or from the File menu, select Explort as PDF, choose options in PDF options window, click Export button
- The Export window will appear
- Choose destination drive and/or folder for the PDF
- Give the PDF a file name
- Click the Save button
When in Writer, or any other application in OpenOffice.org, a new document can be opened for any application in addition to opening a new document for the open application. For example, while working in Writer, not only can a new Writer document be opened but also any other document from OpenOffice.org. This feature saves the user from leaving the Writer window to open another, different application. If a new presentation or spreadsheet is needed, either can be opened from Writer by:
- Clicking from the main menu File > New or, on the Standard Toolbar, click the arrow to the right of the New button
- A new menu appears
- Select the desired new document format (e.g., spreadshet, presentation, etc.)
- A blank, new document will open in the corresponding program
While clip art is available in Writer, it behaves a bit differently. Instead of opening the clip art gallery from the Insert menu as in Word, the gallery is instead opened at the top of the document by going to Tools > Gallery or by clicking the gallery button on the Standard Toolbar. Clip art in Writer is limited, but additional clip art can be added.
Headers and footers are added through separate menu selecitons. In Writer, click Insert > Header or Insert > Footer. Fields such as date and page number are added not from the Header/Footer toolbar, but rather from the main menu, Insert > Fields.
Performing a mail merge in Writer is a multi-step operation just as in Word with some differences. The database used for the merge must first be registered in order for it to be recognized in the Mail Merge Wizard. The database cannot originate from a word processor, an ability that is available in Microsoft.
While not comprehensive, this list covers the basic differences a casual user might encounter when first using Writer.
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