Google Pack

Windows Users 

Google has just added a new program in it's Google Pack - Sun's StarOffice! This Office package is what might be called the foundation for OpenOffice, which I have been advocating for years. But StarOffice has always been available only for a fee. In fact, if you go to Sun's website, it's also only available for a fee. 

Anyhow, I highly recommend people looking to use programs like Microsoft's Word, Excel, PowerPoint to consider using OpenOffice or StarOffice. I assure you that you can open and save in the same Microsoft formats. The added advantage though is that you are not as prone to Microsoft Office-specific viruses.

You can download and play with StarOffice through Google Pack at:

http://pack.google.com

Be careful when downloading Google Pack and select just those programs you want to install. For example if you already have virus protection you might not want to install Norton Security Scan, etc.

If you already have Google Pack installed you can pick and choose additional programs by launching Google Updater, go to the Installed Software tab and click on "Get more software...".


[NB. Apple users can find some of the programs offered through Google Pack as separate downloads. If you are an Apple user and have a question about whether a certain program is available and how to get it, just write!]