OpenOffice.org 1.1.0 by Sun Microsystems is a suite program which contains a word processor, a spreadsheet, a presentation, website creator, and imagine software. The word processor, which is called Text Document, is very similar to Microsoft Word. Mr. Toby Panyanouvong received his Associates of Science in Computer Science from Remmington College in 2001. He has experience with all types of word processors and recommends OpenOffice.org's Text Document above the others.

Mr. Panyanouvong explains that Text Document is a word processor with an enormous amount of features. Its primary function is text documents, however, imagines may be applied to the document by pasting an image into the text. You may also alter the image's attributes or its edit the contents of the image itself using this program. You can also create tables in the text area. One of the best features of Text Document is its ability to section text. What Mr. Panyanouvong means is that within a the document, you may create sections which will allow for different formatting for each section. For example, you can make the first page have text separated into the columns and the proceeding page you may switch back to a single column. The program also contains the ability to insert footnotes without changing the format of your document. There is also a feature where you may enter the author's name and other information you need for a bibliography. The program will place the information in the correct order and format and then insert it into the area you designated for a bibliography. It also has a spell checker and a thesaurus. You may also enter in complex mathematical equation into the text using a function that provides symbols and formating which is difficult to accomplish in the text area alone.

Mr. Panyanouvong says there are many advantages to using Text Document. The most important advantage would be the price; it's free! Anyone can download OpenOffice.org 1.1.0 for free at their website. Another advantage is that you may save the document as a PDF file. A PDF is a document which retains its format no matter what computer it is open on. The Adobe Reader which is able to open a PDF file is free to download from Adobe's website. Text Document can also open many different types of file formats from different companies such as Microsoft Word and Star Writer.

Text Document has a few disadvantages as well. First, with all its extra features it is hard to find the proper function you are looking for. Secondly, if you do not know how to use some of the features, you can destroy the format of your document easily.

If you are just using the basic functions of Text Document, it is quite easy to operate. However, if you would like the use the advanced functions, such as sectioning text, some practice is required. The name of the functions are clearly identifiable and well organized. All toolbar icons are standard Microsoft Windows icons and are easily accessible.

Mr. Panyanouvong hopes that in a future version of Text Document that there might be a basic grammar checking feature. Being an Asian immigrant and his first language not being English, Mr. Panyanouvong says that sometimes he leaves out article words which the spell checker does not find. He would like to see a feature which would identify these missing words. He also would like the program to open other document files such as Corel Word Perfect or Microsoft Works. It is difficult finding a program that opens these formats if you do not own that specific program Mr. Panyanouvong explains.

Having looked at Text Document program myself, I find it very easy to use. What I like about it most is that it is free. Mr. Panyanouvong says that he has retired Microsoft Word and will not use it again. The advantages of OpenOffice.org's Text Document for outweigh its disadvantages. Mr. Panyanouvong believes that this is currently one of the best word processing programs available and it would be difficult to beat. OpenOffice.org's Text Document is definitely recommended to everyone. The best part is that if you do not like the program, you have spent nothing to purchase it.