| OpenOffice 2.0 Beta 2 sports new interface, improved DB, more |
Aug. 30, 2005
 OpenOffice.org 2.0 Beta 2 was released Monday and is now available for free public download. It boasts a new interface, a more accessible database module, support for the OASIS OpenDocument XML file format, and better interoperability with other file formats including Microsoft Office, according to the project.
Earlier versions of OpenOffice.org had database front-end tools, but they were hidden, the project said. In v2.0, a new database can be created via the "File - New" menu. For novice users, OpenOffice.org provides a new Table Wizard that enables creating database tables without any knowledge of databases or SQL. The new embedded Java HSQLDB database engine allows creating so-called "database documents," according to OpenOffice.org. These database files don't require a back-end database server like MySQL or Adabas D; all information (table definitions, data, queries, forms, reports) is stored in one XML file, the project said.
About OO 2.0
OpenOffice.org 2.0 (OO 2.0) uses the open standard, vendor- and implementation-independent OASIS OpenDocument XML format as the default file format.
Available languages are English, Brazilian, Portuguese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, and Traditional Chinese. More languages and platforms will be made available "shortly," the project said. All versions of OpenOffice.org contain Writer (word processor), Impress (presentation), Math, Draw (graphics), Calc (spreadsheet), and Base funtions.
OO 2.0 has been in development for more than three years. Version 1.0 was launched on May 1, 2002. Version 2.0 Beta 1 was released last March.
Beta 2 download
Beta 2 comes in 11 languages for GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, and Windows. It's available for download here.
The project asks beta testers to file bug reports with the QA Project." The release comes just ahead of the OpenOffice.org Conference, to be held in Koper-Capodistria, Slovenia, Sept. 28-30.
The current stable version is 1.1.4, available here and described as "rock solid but with fewer features," the project said
The software is also available on a CD-ROM. To purchase a CD, visit the listing on the project's CD-ROM page and contact the nearest distributor directly for pricing and shipping details.
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