A beta version of Open Office 2.0 is available for download. The open source office applications suite claims to offer most of the functions of Microsoft's Office product. It includes word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and drawing software.

The beta has a new user interface - designed to make refugees from Microsoft Office feel at home, according to NewsForge. It also improves interoperability with Microsoft file formats. The site warns that the software needs further testing and is offered with "no guarantees".

Most new features are in the Writer programme. These include word count for selected text, wizards for setting up databases and tables and floating toolbars.

Review on Newsforge here.

More information, and download, available from openoffice.org here.®

Related stories

StarOffice: ready for the big time?
Novell eats own dog food, moves to Linux on desktop
Sun aims StarOffice PC bundles at Joe User