Space: Apache OpenOffice Community
(https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/OOOUSERS)
Page: Brainstorming on FAQs -- draft
(https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/OOOUSERS/Brainstorming+on+FAQs+--+draft)
Edited by Rob Weir:
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*{+}Work In Progress - not yet an approved public resource, please refer to the
dev list. Keep it simple and factual\!+*
# *Is there a release of Apache OpenOffice I can download*?
#* *{_}Not yet._* The Apache OpenOffice project will have a new release soon,
which will be called Apache OpenOffice v3.4. This will be the completion
of the earlier OpenOffice.org 3.4 beta, which included many
features. OpenOffice.org 3.3 users, when they upgrade, can look
forward to native SVG support, improved ODF 1.2 encryption support, enhanced
Asian word count support, new spreadsheet functions, more optimized PDF
exports, a new color picker dialog, among the improvements. Details on
these and other enhancements and fixes can be found in the draft of our [Apache
OpenOffice 3.4 release notes|OOOUSERS:AOO 3.4 Release Notes].
#* *{_}Developer versions are{_}*
*_[available|https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/OOOUSERS/AOO+3.4+Unofficial+Developer+Snapshots]_*
although they are not intended for end-user purposes apart from testing
# *What has Oracle given to Apache?*
#* Oracle has used Apache's Software Grant Agreement (SGA) process to
contribute the OpenOffice.org source code to Apache under the Apache 2.0
license. They also gave Apache the trademarks and domain names owned by
them and associated with the project.
# *Is OpenOffice still open source? Is it still free software?*
#* *{_}Yes._* Apache OpenOffice is still both open source software and free
software.
#* The new license, the Apache License 2.0, is compatible with the GNU GPLv3
and with the GNU LGPLv3 (the previous license), a well as MPLv2, the new
Mozilla license.
#* Apache OpenOffice will always be free for download from the official
website: [http://www.openoffice.org]
# *Why has the name changed*?
#* The Apache OpenOffice Project Management Committee, after extensive
community discussion and comment, voted to change the name from
"OpenOffice.org" to "Apache OpenOffice". We had spirited discussions and
this was not a unanimous decision. Those who voted for the name change
generally thought the shorter name was better than calling it "Apache
OpenOffice.org", which would have been the alternative name. Future
releases will be called Apache OpenOffice. But we still refer to prior
releases as OpenOffice.org,
# *What is the status of OpenOffice at Apache?*
#* We are a "podling" in the "[Apache
Incubator|http://incubator.apache.org/]". When new codebases and new
communities are brought to Apache they begin in the Incubator. This is a
program designed to support them in their initial period at Apache, to help
them understand how Apache works, technically, procedurally as well as
socially. A project "graduates" from the Incubator when it has
demonstrated that it has met various legal and community guidelines. But
do note, being in the Incubator is not a reflection of the completeness or
stability of the code. It is merely a statement that our 12 year old
project is new at Apache.
# *Who is building Apache OpenOffice releases?*
#* In common with other Apache projects, work on Apache OpenOffice is performed
by individual volunteers.
#* Development is done a number of the original developers of OpenOffice.org in
addition to community volunteers and developers from other projects derived
from the OpenOffice codebase including IBM Symphony.
#* Releases are managed by the Apache OpenOffice PPMC.
# *Where can I get updates to the copy of OpenOffice.org that I am running*?
#* There have been no updates to OpenOffice.org binaries released for users
since Oracle stopped development and there will be no patches to those earlier
binary programs released.
#* The project is currently preparing a new version of the code and it will be
available through the openoffice.org website.
#* Once Apache OpenOffice v3.4 is released, the project recommends you replace
your OpenOffice.org installation with it.
#* Again, there are developer versions available for testing purposes.
# *I have seen adverts on eBay and elsewhere offering OpenOffice for sale. Are
they from this project*?
#* *{_}No._* Apache does not sell software or engage in any other commercial
activity.
#* OpenOffice is open source software that can be freely downloaded from the
Internet.
#* Third parties are allowed to redistribute it for a fee or add their own
software to it.
#* Users are warned however that there are some dishonest people who will try
to sell unrelated products for huge fees or include adware and malware in
bundles, or sell "subscriptions" that result in repeated charges to your credit
card.
#* Users are warned to only download from the project directly and not from
other sites.
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