How to Download and Install OpenOffice 3.3

OpenOffice is a free, open-source alternative to the commercial office suites available for computer users. A descendant of Sun's StarOffice (now owned by Oracle), this stable software suite contains a word processor, spreadsheet maker, multimedia presentation creator and a graphics creation program.

Open source software offers many advantages to both commercial and private users. Instead of waiting for patches that may never come, companies can create their own patches and add-ons to the office suite and release them to the world so that others can help improve upon their work.

Exploits can be found and fixed quickly by developers the world over without having to wait for a slow-moving company to finally agree to release a repair. This also means that improvements from anonymous developers may make it into the official software release if that improvement is shown to benefit the community at large.

Students, businesses and others who may not be able to afford a big-name office suite can download and install this software for absolutely no cost--an incredible boon to those living on a shoestring! It is compatible with a wide range of other available word processors, spreadsheet makers and office suites so users are still able to send and receive documents with friends, family and coworkers who may be using another type of software solution.

Step One:
To install this software open Internet Explorer and visit the OpenOffice website. Click on the large green button to begin your download.

Step Two:
Click the security bar at the top of Internet Explorer and instruct the computer to download the file.

Step Three:
Click "Run" in the Security Warning dialog box that appears. This will instruct Internet Explorer to start the installation as soon as the file is downloaded. Depending upon the speed of your internet connection this download could take several minutes.

Step Four:
Click "Yes" on the User Account Window that appears asking for permission to install OpenOffice.

Step Five:
Click the "Next" button to begin the installation process.

Step Six:
Click the "Unpack" button to accept the default file location. OpenOffice will extract the necessary files. Close Internet Explorer at this point to avoid an error message about Java later in the installation process.

Step Seven:
Click "Next" on the Installation Wizard window.

Step Eight:
Place your user name and Organization in the forms provided and click the "Next" button.

Step Nine:
Click the "Next" button to run a typical installation.

Step Ten:
Click the "Next" button to instruct the installation program to install a program icon on your Desktop.

Step Eleven:
Click the "Finish" button at the end of the installation process.

Step Twelve:
Double-click the new OpenOffice icon that is on your desktop.

Step Thirteen:
Click "Next" on the Welcome screen.

Step Fourteen:
Place your full name and your initials in the boxes provided and then press the "Next" button.

Step Fifteen:
Verify that there is a check mark in the box labeled "Check for updates automatically and press "Next."

Step Sixteen:
Place a dot beside the radio button labeled "I want to register later and press the "Finish" button.

Step Seventeen:
Click the type of new document you would like to create and have fun with your new installation of OpenOffice 3.3!

Resources:
OpenOffice Home Page
OpenOffice Why Page
OpenOffice Download Page
Personal Experience