One last technical note, you'll want to experiment with importing and exporting MS Word documents. Use File, Open and grab a .doc formatted file. There are some minor differences, when converting from MS Word to OpenOffice.org and back. But the MS Word format isn't always consistent between versions, either. Be aware of the differences and you'll be fine.

Now you're ready to use Linux and OpenOffice.org Writer to make business letters, envelopes, reports and brochures. There are many more wizards, templates and features to explore, with Writer. We've only scratched the surface. A complete description of using Writer can be found in Solveig Haugland's book OpenOffice 1.0 Resource Kit. It's available at major book retailers and all major topics in OpenOffice.org are covered, including Writer, Calc, Draw, Impress, and more. It's the definitive guide to OpenOffice.org.

Rob Reilly is a freelance Technology Writer and Speaker. He's particularly interested in stories about Linux on the desktop/laptop, recycling with Linux and portable computing. He's currently developing seminars on Linux presentation technology, "road warrior" techniques and business web basics. Send him a note or visit his web site at http://home.earthlink.net/~robreilly.

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