Microsoft Office XP or OpenOffice.org

So basically, I have two choices, Microsoft Office XP or OpenOffice.

I do some basic word processing, flashy powerpoints, complicated spreadsheets, and some other stuff. I am more familiar with the Microsoft Office XP format but am willing to learn.

Take note that I will not be paying for Microsoft Office XP since I have a copy left over from somewhere.

What should I use and install?

 

+1 for M$.

Seriously though. Office 2007 is the stuff. Exactly what Vista should of been. Same features. a HUGE bump to the interface.

I'm glad the same dude that lead the Office 2007 development is now leading the Windows 7 Development.

 

Never used OpenOffice. I rather use MS Office.

 

MS Office.

 

Openoffice.org is fine for typing a book report for school, but anything else is easier and better done in a MS Office suite.

 

Wow, the vote is unanimous right now...

 

I've recently switched to OpenOffice. As far as I can tell, version 2.4 of it is pretty much identical to MS Office (I also use it for word processing, spreadsheets and presentations, but I would not call myself a power user), though it has two major advantages. The obvious one is that it is free -- I can easily install 3 copies of it on the 3 installations that I use. The not so obvious one is that it works both on Linux and Windows so I can move files from my work PC to my laptop without running into compatibility issues.

If the latter does not apply to you and you are more familiar with MS Office, then it would probably be easier to stick with it as long as you do not have to pay.

 

Between those two i think OpenOffice may be the better choice.

 

Both are fine.

Ive tried out openoffice on ubuntu and it has the same basic functions as MS office

 

I'd say Office 2003 or OpenOffice. Try OpenOffice first.

2007 is a freakin' joke. All the computers in my computer lab have Office 2007 installed and 2/3 questions asked refer to the program than other technical issues.

2003 is simple, easy to ready layout, and just as many features as 2007. Just a different GUI.

 

MS Office.

 

I'd stick with MS Office. It's not like you're paying for it anyway.

 

yup Office 03 if your going with MS. Openoffice still does the job though

Office 07 is retarded specially with the tabs.

 

Guys, we're not comparing Office 2007 and OO here; its Office XP. OpenOffice is comparable to Office 2003, so I would definitely recommend OO.

 

I dislike the clunkiness of OO.

 

maybe Open Orifice runs better one the linux enviroment

 

I use Office 2003, 2007 for me is just for eyecandy.

 

ms office hands down. esp 2007 i mean the interface is the best esp with live preview and other tweaks.

if u want flashy powerpoints get the add in powerplugs by crystal graphics hehe blows everyone away! xD

 

I've used both, and while OOo is fine for doing basic stuff, there are a lot of things that can be done much easier using Office XP than OOo. So even if I love OOo, I'm voting for Office XP since you're getting it for free anyway and it's just a whole lot more user-friendly.

EDIT: Guys, stay on topic. The OP is asking about Office XP and OpenOffice.org, NOT OFFICE 2007, or even Office 2003 for that matter [although it's not that much different from Office XP/2002, but still...]

 

Definitely Office XP. I tried OO for a few months and while it was decent for word processing, its Powerpoint equivalent was crap when trying to do any animation. Everything would just get choppy. And for the spreadsheet, I didn't use it much, but it wasn't as intuitive as Excel from what little I can remember about it.

 

MS Office.

 

Office XP... I tried OpenOffice and I do lots of presentation.. but just couldn't get it done the way I do with Office XP :<

It's like comparing iTunes and Songbird...

 

If you can get Office free, by all means use it.

 

I'm just trying Ubuntu so I can't tell 100% which one is best, but so far I think MS office seems more user friendly, I'll keep doing my analysis and post my experience.

 

Open Office, I have both, OO is preferred.