This query is based on a single table and is editable. The design window can be hidden or shown while the query is running. Running the query produces a split-screen effect. If not, then a graphical grid interface allows queries to be set up, including grouping queries using the function field. One has the option of writing SQL statements should one be in the mood. Double-clicking on the join allows one to set a left or right join. The relations design dialog box is drag and drop to set up a inner join. Relationships can be set up from the relationships dialog box, tables are added as needed. Where choices are limited, OpenOffice is very helpful with drop down lists. The typo in the word 'numer' is strictly my own! A right-click on a unique field allows one to set a primary key. Setting up tables in the design view is direct and aided by OpenOffice automatically entering the IDENTITY command for a field set to AutoValue automatically. OpenOffice is always open to interacting with other vendors products. A wizard gets one started, allowing choices of whether to utilize an embedded database or whether to use a connector to another vendors database. The basic interface is rather reminiscent of Microsoft Access.

The database package is now relational and replete with tantalizing features. October 2005 saw the arrival of Release Candidate 1 and the fifth birthday of OpenOffice. By March 2005 the branch adopted the OpenDocument standard, and in early fall betas one and two were released. The first iterations of the database in December 2004 were simple flat files with little additional functionality beyond a spreadsheet.

When the 2.0 branch forked, I began playing with the pre-release 1.9 versions. Since 19 January 2003 when I first started using OpenOffice I have moved into the newest builds. That's no typo: OpenOffice remains free for the downloading - Windows, OS X, and Linux. The increase in price from $0 to $0 is made quite tolerable by this addition. To this winning mix OpenOffice 2.0 adds a database. has always been cross-platform with a word processing module the equal of Microsoft Word called Writer, a spreadsheet that is nearly indistinguishable from Excel in capabilities, a presentation module that has all the capabilities of PowerPoint, and three other modules that Office has never offered: a WYSIWYG web page editor, a stand-alone math editor, and a drawing package with dozens of export options.

Openoffice databases