Free Software Linux

I've put together three articles, showing tasks that are the same between Microsoft Office and OpenOffice.org.

• Word/Writer
• Excel/Calc
• Powerpoint/Impress

I've been doing some table-based layout recently, in my quick-reference cards. I got to know the table flow options real well. Here are some good solid table control features. Text Flow tab Get to know this one. Click in the table and choose Table > Table Properties. Click the Text Flow tab. Break: If you want a cell to start at the top of a new page or column click in that cell, and then in this window select Break and Column or Page. Conversely, if you've got a table that starts at the top of a page or column and don't want it to, unmark the Break option. Allow Table to Split Across Pages and Columns: You're going to have some weird layout with your longer tables if you don't let the table at least split across columns.

I get a lot of requests from people switching office suites who want to know how a feature is done in Microsoft Office, compared to how it works in OpenOffice.org. It usually ends up that the person wants a list of shortcuts. And I say "but you can have any shortcut you want in OpenOffice.org, it's incredibly configurable." I don't really like to give out lists like that because it gives the impression that it's fixed. If someone wants Ctrl 2 to make text double-spaced and they see it's assigned to the Heading2 paragraph style, they might think there's nothing they can do about it. All this is kind of a meandering introduction to the following general topics: You can have virtually any shortcuts you want in OpenOffice.org. There are a zillion  features you don't know about that you can apply shortcuts to. It's really easy to do. And once you've got it set to your preferences, you can easily give the file to your friends.

I wrote this article for my friend Russell over at FanaticAttack.  Lots of comments (I clearly need to do better at publicizing my own blog! ;>  ).  Check it out; it's definitely one of my more explicit, step-by-step guides. Excerpt.... Here are some setup tips to help you get OpenOffice.org humming. Automatic Settings Some of the default settings aren’t quite what I would recommend, but it’s very easy to make the changes. First, choose Tools > AutoCorrect. In the Word Completion tab, turn off word completion if it bugs you by unmarking the Enable Word Completion option. If you like it but want to change what key you use to accept the suggestion, you can do that too. General Settings

When you switch a group of people to OpenOffice.org, the biggest problems you encounter are rarely about the software. It's all about change management. I've been trying to untangle this problem for years, and I have a few techniques. Show people the fun, cool aspects of the program. Emphasize the money being saved (which usually doesn't help at all). Try to demo the program without divulging that it is not MS Office. And then NPR comes along with two back-to-back stories that are directly relevant.

I can feel it. This year is already different. In the first month of the year, I have received a far higher number of requests for training and for consulting. Also, notably, I've received several requests for input on how to, and whether to, make the transition to OpenOffice.org or StarOffice. I'm particularly pleased with the last item, since planning is essential to a successful, smooth transition to OOo or SO for  your organization. If you're part of an organization that's looking at making the transition and you'd like some input from me, I'm happy--actually, eager--to give it. For February and March, I will give as many free one-hour sessions on tips for a successful transition to OOo and SO as I can fit into my schedule. I might extend this option longer, depending on response and other projects.