Published at LXer:

The final version of OpenOffice 3 is out today, and if you're looking to save yourself plenty of money, download it instead of buying Microsoft Office --- you could save yourself hundreds of dollars, and not lose out on many features. I put the Windows version through its paces, and am about to download the Linux version as well. The suite has six full-blown applications: the Writer word processor, Calc spreadsheet, Impress presentations program, Base database program, Math equation editor, and Draw graphics program.

Read More...

Open Office is good but Microsoft Office is used by the educational institutions which is why why most younger people opt for Microsoft Office. The only problem with Office is the stupidly high price (just like you mentioned) but students can actually get huge discounts on Microsoft Office as well as other student software. If you are a student then check it out, otherwise you would be better off opting for Open Office as it is just as good

Yeah, anything to hook young people on their products

lol good point but I hope it helps any students on this forum who are looking to buy some software