StarOffice
StarOffice, a product of Sun, is a multiplatform, Microsoft Office-compatible productivity suite that runs on Microsoft Windows, Linux, and the Solaris [tm] Operating Environment. Like Microsoft’s Office Suite, StarOffice includes a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation software, database, and more.
As they did with the Linux operating system, Sun has contributed the StarOffice code to the "open source" community. This is known as "open source" software. Individuals, companies, and developers can freely use, modify, and share the code with others as long as they do not sell it for profit. By releasing this code, Sun has also provided the open source community with a jump-start towards delivering a native Mac OS X office suite. For further information on the Open Source initiative, see: http://www.opensource.org.
In order to distinguish it from the StarOffice suite, the "open source" product is referred to as OpenOffice.org. OpenOffice.org is both a product and a project. What are the differences between StarOffice and OpenOffice.org?
Currently, the ITS Office Support Team provides limited support for the StarOffice application. While we are unable to provide technical assistance to users in respect to the software or the operating system that it runs on, the creation of this information page is an example of the limited support we do provide. This page is meant as a portal to other sites that can provide community support, FAQs, reviews, and other instruction guides for StarOffice users.
What are the System Requirements?
These requirements can vary based on your operating system, the software version you choose, the manufacturer’s "recommended" requirements, and user opinions. User opinion suggests a Pentium 166 or greater and a minimum 128 MB RAM.
Some web sites that will assist you with this information are:
StarOffice 6.0
OpenOffice.org (Solaris, Linux, and Windows operating systems)
ZDNet UK ReviewsStarOffice 6.0 Beta (additional system requirements information)
*** Search Reviews on keyword "StarOffice"
http://www.zdnet.com/reviews/
http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/
Where do I get my software?
We have listed some distribution links for you based on the product you choose. You may wish to learn more about these products to assist you in your choice. If so, please refer to:
StarOffice – may be obtained from the ITS Campus Services Software Program.
Supporting Documents
http://docs.sun.com/?p=/coll/999.2
OpenOffice.org – 641C is currently, the most "stable build" of OpenOffice.org.
Choose Downloads – 641C Binaries – selecting the appropriate Operating System and choosing a city nearest you to begin downloading the software.
Older Versions of OpenOffice.org – Also available via download from Download Central
Choose Older Software – Binaries. Supporting Documents
Where do I find support?
There are many resources available to provide you with support. If you have questions, you may find their answers through resources such as support forums, online documentation, mailing lists, FAQs, and online Help. StarOffice users may find Sun’s SupportForum the most helpful. OpenOffice.org users may find it most helpful to join the mailing lists – the most useful lists are "discuss", "users", and "announce".
Office Support has compiled a list of sites that you may find helpful. Included you will find links to support, FAQs, and product reviews.
Support
StarOffice Patches & Bug Fixes
SunSolve Online Support Documents
OpenOffice.org Mailing Lists
The most useful lists to join are "discuss", "users", and "announce".
FAQs
StarOffice 5.2
This includes information pertaining to compatibility with MS Office.
Reviews
ZDNet UK Reviews - Star Office 6.0 Beta
ZDNet UK Reviews - Star Office 6.0
ZDNet Australia Reviews - StarOffice 6.0 may outshine Office XP
InfoWorld: The Open Source – Nicholas Petreley
Sun decides to break its Star Office suite to make the best open-source omelet
Other Sites of Interest
OpenOffice.org
Proposal Regarding The OpenOffice.org Numbering Scheme
You may also choose to do a Google search on "StarOffice" or "OpenOffice.org" to obtain additional information concerning these applications.
