3. OpenOffice Basics and Word Processing
If you are familiar with Microsoft Word or other word proccesors, you will be able to learn OpenOffice very quickly. The procedures below will help you get started.
3.1. Run OpenOffice and Begin a New Document
Follow this procedure to open OpenOffice and begin a new document.
Launch OpenOffice
Click on the "Start" button and select OpenOffice Writer from the menu.
If you look in the "All Programs" sub-menu, you will find an OpenOffice folder that contains the other OpenOffice programs:
Begin Creating Your Document
Once OpenOffice Writer opens, a blank page or template will appear. You can now create your document.
Spell Check and Other Tools
If you don't know how to perform a word-processing function, move the mouse over the various icons on the screen. A short description of each tool will appear next to the icon. By trying the icons and exploring the menu at the top of the screen, you can learn about all the different features of Open Office.
3.2. Save a Document
Follow the procedure below when you wish to save a document.
Click the "File" Menu and Select "Save"
From the menu-bar at the top of the window, click on the "File" menu and select "Save."
If the Save option is gray and can not be clicked, no changes have been made since the last save and you do not need to save your document.
Enter a Name and Location
If this is the first time this file has been saved, OpenOffice will ask you to name your document and choose a destination folder. Use the standard Window's file dialog box to choose a place to save your document:
Click "Save"
3.3. Open an Existing Document
There are two ways to open an existing document:
Double Click on the File. Find the file in your "My Documents" folder and double click on it. The appropriate program will launch and open your file.
Select "File" and "Open" From Within an Open Application. If you are already working in OpenOffice, for example, and wish to open an existing file, click on the File menu and select "Open." You will be prompted to select your document from a dialog box.
