On 04/02/2007 11:16 AM, Beth Raker wrote: > Our school district is using StarOffice on the majority of the > computers. Acceptance has been simple among the students - especially > the younger ones, but difficult for many of the staff members. They just > don't like to learn new programs and most are used to Microsoft Office. > > I am wondering if we should switch to OpenOffice. It is confusing to the > staff to be told that they use StarOffice at work, but can just download > and use OpenOffice at home. When requested, I give them StarOffice > installation on a CD. We have the licensing needed through the state of > Indiana. > > Do you have an opinion? Would they like OpenOffice more or less? I think > we chose StarOffice in the first place because one of our techs said the > graphics and spell check were more full featured. > > Thanks! > Beth Raker > Instructional Technology Coordinator > P-H-M School District
As others have pointed out, OOo and StarOffice are basically the same thing, see: http://www.sun.com/software/star/openoffice/. The staff members can use either (I have both on my system for comaprison) and most likely won't notice any difference in the user interface etc. The staff members can download and use StarOffice, see: http://www.sun.com/products-n-solutions/edu/solutions/staroffice.html <quote> How to Get StarOffice 8 - Individuals If you are a student, researcher, staff, or faculty member you can download StarOffice 8 for free from Sun's Software Download Center. Login into the Sun Software Download Center by using your user name and password. If you do not have a user name or password for the Sun Software Download Center please register. </quote> Just have them go register & then download. Or, given that you have statewide licensing, giving them a CD is perfectly fine. <quote> StarOffice 8 Education Licensing Academic and Research institutions, including Primary and Secondary (K12) Schools, 2-and 4-year Colleges, and Universities, are eligible for a no-cost license of StarOffice 8. All you have to do to obtain the StarOffice 8 Software License and Entitlement is purchase at least one StarOffice 8 Enterprise Media Kit or download the software and click thru the license agreement on the Sun Software Download Center as described below. The StarOffice 8 Software License and Entitlement gives your Educational Institution the ability to make StarOffice available for internal use. This means that your enrolled students, faculty, and staff may use the software on computers that you own, operate, or maintain direct control over. The StarOffice 8 Software License and Entitlement also grants permission for your institution to replicate StarOffice and distribute it to your constituents for their personal use. Review a copy of the full text of the StarOffice Software License Agreement and Entitlement or StarSuite Software License Agreement and Entitlement. </quote> You tech support department most likely would prefer that they use SO. Even though OOo & SO are basically the same, it is always easier troubleshoot the exact same same version of software. Users with Mac's at home will need to use OOo as SO doesn't support Macs, see: http://www.sun.com/software/star/staroffice/specs.jsp --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
