Libre Office’s privacy policy states that they only collect and use personal data when “necessary to provide a functional website and our content and services.” They also state that they only collect and use personal user data “with the consent of the user”. From a security standpoint, users are required to provide the standard amount of information to download the freeware. The loading speed of all programs within the Libre Office suite was acceptable, with no noticeable delays or issues. With its tables, queries, forms, and reports, this tool has the necessary power to turn a user’s datasets into usable information. The final tool in the suite, Base, is a database tool whose functionality is impressive. The variety of options allow users to create multiple, custom image types ranging from business flowcharts to silly graphics. Draw, a drawing, graphic-based tool, opens to a blank canvas with a multitude of toolbar options. I am not aware of a Microsoft® comparable product for formulas, making this an excellent differentiator for Libre Office. Math, a formula-creation and editing program within the suite, instantly looks like a program I wish I would have had in middle school.

Once a template is chosen, intuitive editing and formatting options present themselves in various toolbars to the left, right, and above the draft.

Impress, Libre Office’s presentation software, prompts the user to choose a template upon opening the program. I was able to easily add data, create formulas, format cells, and accomplish anything I would need from a spreadsheet software. The spreadsheet tool, Calc, also bears a striking resemblance to Excel, making for great ease of adoption. In Libre Office’s word processor, Writer, I found it easy to draft documents, edit, format, and utilize any functionality a user would expect in a program like this.

Most buttons and toolbars are exactly where a Microsoft® user would expect to find them, making the learning curve very shallow. As soon as the program opens, users will feel instantly at home, with a copycat interface to that of Office365. A computer restart is suggested for the full installation settings to take effect however, the program will work immediately upon its download, regardless of a restart. First, the download was quite easy and fast. The logos and icons and overall user interface feel like Deja vu as you toggle back and forth between each program.

Libre Office’s look and feel bears a striking resemblance to Microsoft® Office 365 suite. Libre Office may give Microsoft® Office suite a run for its money with its near-identical user interface and free download.

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