WordPerfect Office 2000 for Linux

For people planning to use Linux for their home or office, WordPerfect Office 2000 from Corel is well worth a look. This productivity suite, with a Linux specific release, includes all the applications needed for word processing through to spreadsheets and personal information management. The suite, which is due to be in stores by the end of May, will include version 9 of Corel's office applications.

Installing the suite in Linux is very simple, and only involves executing the setup file on the CD. The major drawback is the amount of disk space required for a full installation at 450MB (138MB is the minimum). Other than that, the applications run well on a P200 with 32MB of RAM, although 64MB is recommended. It out-paces StarOffice 5.2 beta significantly (see June PC World for the review of StarOffice). Updates in this release are the RealTime Preview feature that will allow you to view the changes to your document before you apply them. File compatibility with Microsoft Office has also been improved.

WordPerfect 9 allows you to create all manner of documents from newsletters to brochures and articles. Compatibility with Microsoft Word is a key feature. Importing and exporting documents in Word format is not a problem at all. An Autoscroll tool has been added which allows you to search through documents quickly.

Quattro Pro is an Excel compatible spreadsheet program that allows you manage and analyse data with ease. Support for up to one million rows gives greater flexibility when converting Excel files. Large amounts of data in cross-tabulated table form can be summarised as Cross Tabs Reports making large spreadsheets more meaningful instantly. Exchanging spreadsheets with tables to and from Excel is achieved without hassle.

Corel Presentations allows you to create presentations and slide shows. Some of the key features include Custom Audiences, which can be used to tailor a slide show to different audiences without saving multiple versions, and a bitmap editor for modifying images. Lotus Freelance and Microsoft PowerPoint files can be imported to the program, although only PowerPoint files can be exported. The program also includes an Internet publisher that can guide you through publishing a slide show on the web.

The suite includes Corel Central, a personal information manager that will help you organise all your communication and scheduling needs. The program includes an address book for contact information, a calendar for scheduling and an appointment reminder feature.

The package also contains Corel's database application, Paradox 9. Its features include conversion of spreadsheets into databases and a visual database designer that allows easy learning of database design basics. Beginning Paradox 9 for the first time you get a welcome screen that gives you the option to begin a new database or open the online tutorial. Other new features include the ability to export documents to WordPerfect and Microsoft Word formats.

Corel is also bundling in their latest download version of Corel Linux with WordPerfect Office 2000. The Debian based release has been noted as being both easy to install and configure. A graphical installation procedure is programmed to detect most types of PCI hardware and the KDE-based desktop environment incorporates drag-and-drop features.

Other features included in the release are Netscape Communicator, Adobe Acrobat Reader, 1,000 Bitstream and type 1 fonts, over 12,000 clipart images, 200 photos and last but not least, a Linux penguin toy is included in the release.

Generally, Word Perfect Office 2000 for Linux is a well rounded productivity suite that will accomplish most tasks required by users in their home or office. The software will be available at the end of May from Everythinglinux for $249 which is below the recommended retail price of $299.95, this compares favourably to the Windows version's price of $599.95.