Johannesburg, 15 Feb 2005
As open source software continues to find favour with businesses and consumers as a more affordable, reliable and secure alternative to other commercially available products, software re-publisher Phoenix Global Software has announced availability of OOoFf!, a combination of two leading cross-platform programs, OpenOffice.org and Firefox.
The OOoFf! package includes the necessary software for installation on personal computers running Microsoft Windows, Apple Macintosh and Linux operating systems. OOoFf! contains both OpenOffice.org 1.1.3, a complete Microsoft-compatible office suite, and Firefox 1.0, one of the fastest, most secure Internet browsers on the market - bundled together for hundreds less than Microsoft alternatives.
"Businesses and consumers have had enough of paying more than they should for software that is all too often bug-ridden, shot through with vulnerabilities and prone to spam and other unwanted side effects. As a result, a number of great alternatives are appearing from the open source community, many of which are highly viable and even better than the products available from the dominant players," says Simon Campbell-Young, CEO of Phoenix.
OOoFf! conveniently packages together some of the best products to emerge from the open source community. OpenOffice.org, the first program included in the bundle, is a complete office productivity suite, which includes fully functional word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications. The suite is capable of creating spreadsheets, presentations and documents, and can read, edit and save files in the same formats that other suites use (.doc, .xls and .ppt). OpenOffice.org also writes documents into PDF format.
OpenOffice.org key features are:
Compatibility with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
Word processing - Use the Microsoft Word-compatible word processor with spell checker and thesaurus to complete that report on time and in a professional manner.
Spreadsheets - The Microsoft Excel-compatible spreadsheet program lets you create formulas easily, as well as calculate expenses and forecast sales.
Slideshows and presentations - The Microsoft PowerPoint-compatible presentation creator can prepare sales presentations or school projects with ease.
Flowcharts and drawing - The graphics program includes templates and an extensive clipart gallery so you can create impressive flyers and personal cards.
Web pages (HTML) - The built-in Web page authoring application lets you create your own Web site with absolutely no HTML knowledge necessary.
Publish PDF and Flash documents for the Web.
Install on multiple PCs - no activation codes required! Unlike Microsoft Office, which has a very strict licence agreement, you can install OOoFf! on every computer you own at no additional cost and without having to enter a single activation code.
The second program included in OOoFf!, Firefox, is a new Web browser produced by the Mozilla organisation that completely replaces older, less secure browsers like Internet Explorer. "Millions of people have already downloaded Firefox because of its advanced features like pop-up blockers and sophisticated security protection from hackers, viruses and spyware," notes Campbell-Young.
Firefox also includes tabbed browsing and integrated Google searching, which means users are able to surf the Web easier and faster than they can with other browsers. Other key features include:
Security protection from hackers and spyware - The advanced security of Firefox helps keep you safe from Internet hazards like hackers and spyware, so you can surf the Net with ease and piece of mind.
Automatically blocks popup ads - The built-in popup blocker keeps your screen from clutter so you see what you want to see.
Search smarter with integrated Google searching - Don`t spend time copying data, opening a second window, going to a search engine, and pasting your request anymore! The built-in Google searching lets you search for what you want, when you want it.
Customise look and feel with themes - The built-in theme installer in Firefox lets you quickly and easily customise the look of your browser to whatever suits you best.
Import bookmarks, passwords and more from Internet Explorer, making the switch to Firefox quick and easy.
Text zooming makes pages easier to read.
Unclutter your screen with tabbed browsing - Have all of your Web pages open in one tabbed window so other windows don`t get lost.
Receive news and blogs with built-in RSS support.
OOoFf! is produced by Linspire, Inc, a producer of alternative Linux-based operating systems for the desktop and a major backer of open source organisations like Mozilla and OpenOffice.org.
"OOoFf! makes two of the most popular open source products - which are already widely available online - readily available to offline consumers shopping in retail outlets. At the same time, OOoFf!`s distribution will promote awareness and adoption of cross-platform software alternatives," says Campbell-Young.
OOoFf! products can be installed on multiple machines with no activation codes or serial numbers required. The OOoFf! boxed product comes with installation CD-ROM, documentation materials and Flash tutorials, and is compatible with machines running Windows 98 and higher and Mac OS X 10.2 and higher.
Price and availability
OooFf! is available from stores countrywide at R299.
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