FAQs
Last updated 2002-08-01
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| These faq have been compiled over the span of OpenOffice's lifetime. Most of the information is now out of date. See the OpenOffice FAQ page on our official wiki for up-to-date information. If you find instances that need updating, let us know by sending a note to dev@openoffice.apache.org. |
Source & Technology: Questions 
- How can I get the source code from OpenOffice.org?
- What should I download?
- May I offer to sell a CD-ROM from my site containing the latest sourcecode from OpenOffice.org?
- What does the OpenOffice.org source code provide?
- What is the StarOffice/OpenOffice.org file format?
- Why was XML chosen by Sun for the StarOffice Productivity Suite?
- Where can I get the XML specification and DTDs?
- What is the OpenOffice.org technical roadmap?
- What about the StarOffice Productivity Suite's integrated desktop?
- What happened to Email and Scheduler from StarOffice 5.2?
- How do I install OpenOffice.org on a server for use by multiple users?
- Why does OpenOffice.org require Java at installation?
- Can I run OpenOffice.org without having an X server installed,for example, to use only its UNO API?
Source & Technology: Answers
- How can I get the source code from OpenOffice.org?
The source code is available via CVS from the central download page.
- What should I download?
The answer depends on what you wish to do.
- A. I want to use the OpenOffice.org office suite in my home or office
- B. I want to see the source code and develop for OpenOffice.org.
In either case, please also go to our central Download Page, where there are links to the latest downloads.
- May I offer to sell a CD-ROM from my site containing the latest
source code from OpenOffice.org?
If you would like to do this, please review the OEM and CD-ROM page.
- What does the OpenOffice.org source code provide?
The OpenOffice.org source code initially includes the technology which Sun Microsystems has been developing for the future versions of the StarOffice Productivity Suite. The source is written in C++ and delivers language-neutral and scriptable functionality, including Java[tm] technology APIs. This source technology introduces the next stage architecture, allowing use of the suite as separate applications or as embedded components in other applications. Numerous other features are also present, including XML-based file formats.
- Why was XML chosen by Sun for the StarOffice Productivity Suite?
Because XML is an industry standard and the best choice for interoperable structured data.
- Where can I get the XML specification and DTDs?
You can get them from the XML Project, http://xml.openoffice.org.
- What is the OpenOffice.org technical roadmap?
Sun has provided OpenOffice.org with a technical roadmap. This document outlines the design of the source, in that it delivers separate applications/components, which allow integration into platform user environments. In the end, of course, the answer to this question is really up to the OpenOffice.org community. For a current roadmap, please have a look in the development area.
- What about the StarOffice Productivity Suite's integrated desktop?
Beginning with the 6.0 version of the product, the integrated desktop will be scrapped and the applications will be componentized.
- What happened to Email and Scheduler from StarOffice 5.2?
After StarOffice 5.2 was released, a decision was made to concentrate resources on the three core office productivity applications and on the move to XML. With this redirection of efforts, the email and scheduler were removed from the codebase.
- How do I install OpenOffice.org on a server for use by multiple
users?
Download and expand the tarball. Then, as root, issue this command from within the "install" directory:
setup /net
As a regular user from each workstattion now run the command:
/usr/local/openoffice60/program/setup
And then choose Standard Workstation Installation when prompted
- Why does OpenOffice.org require Java at installation?
OpenOffice.org currently uses Java for:
- applets in html pages
- support of Java components
- Can I run OpenOffice.org without having an X server installed,for
example, to use only its UNO API?
Yes, you can display to the Xvfb virtual frame buffer, which is part of X11R6. For more information, please see:
http://www.itworld.com/AppDev/1461/UIR000330xvfb/A real X Window display is only needed for the setup.
