Can an old dog learn a new word processor?

The last time I converted word processors I converted from Wordperfect 5.1 (DOS) to Microsoft Word for windows.

In December I converted to Staroffice8 (Free Download in Google Pack ).

Why? - To save money!

In December created a Vista (Ultimate) machine using a P4 PC (I invested $550 in for the Vista upgrade: OEM edition of Vista Ultimate, added 2 disk drives, 1 gig additional memory, a Vista supported RAID card, and a new Vista dual monitor graphics card).

I had the choice of finding my office 2000 CD's and loading them up or going to Google and downloading Staroffice8 along with Picasa. I chose the easy path - download.

Staroffice8 has word processor, spreadsheet, data base, and drawing program. All the programs can save files in Microsoft office formats so you have compatibility with both your own old documnents and can send documents to others.

At first it was a bit painful. All of the “clicks” that I preformed automatically had to be relearned. Within 1 month I had gained enough familiarity with Star that I became unconscious of the change. I had also saved $150 to $400 by not “Upgrading” to Office 2007.

No I am not a Microsoft basher. In fact, I am a fan! Microsoft brought the graphical interface to PC's replacing DOS for ever. They moved the computer from data centers to the desktops and homes of the world. I have been raving about the features and stability of Vista since I moved from XP.

Converting to the new spread sheet program was slow but I am making progress.

The biggest difficulty I had with the word processor change was the Sun update process. With Office you sign for Updates and they come overnight and install automatically. I got a notification that there was an update available. I click on the place it said to down load updates automatically. It said “ automatic updates not available and referred me to the Sun web site.

Well that was a confusing place as Suns main products are computers and the sun operating systems.

I did finally figure it out! It took 3 tries and 1.5 hours. My updates are installing as we speak!

If you are interested best install the updates, just post a comment and If there are enough interested parties I will post a how to on this Blog.