Open Ofice vs Ashampoo Office 2010

[overthehill]

I'm looking for thoughts comparing these two apps?  I realize that OO is free , but now Ashampoo Office 2010 is being offered for $14.99 US. What I'm asking is; is Ashampoo's offer worth the bucks? It appears to me that Ashampoo has some good apps. I use Ashampoo Snap 3 and it works well.
As far as "Office", I'm still using Office 2000 and it does everything that I require.
What's happeng is ; I'm trying to help a friend (at quite a distance, by email and phone) that just purchased a  PC. It's OS- Win 7 64 bit- and I'm afraid that this PC that he purchased knows more about him that he knows about it . BTW, I did get him to download Open Office and without being there it was awful difficult to help him. He so far has not got it installed. I'm hoping that perhaps for $15, Ashampoo's version may be (at least just as good or better?) and also wondering if it would perhaps be any easier for him to install . Anyone have thoughts on this?.
Thks, overthehill

[rthompson80819]

I've never used Ashampoo, but I just looked at their website and the price was $59.99 USD.  You might double check what you get for $14.99.

I do use Open Office occasionally and it works fairly well.

[overthehill]

I've never used Ashampoo, but I just looked at their website and the price was $59.99 USD.  You might double check what you get for $14.99.

I do use Open Office occasionally and it works fairly well.

Thanks rthompson80819 but because I have Ashampoo Snap 3 as I mentioned, I was sent a promotion earlier today telling me that the price had been slashed(I don't know for how long) from $59.99 to $14.99US. overthehill

[soybean]

wondering if it would perhaps be any easier for him to install . Anyone have thoughts on this?.

Eh, I wouldn't count on that.  I suspect he'd have the same difficulty trying to install Ashampoo Office.

I'm trying to help a friend (at quite a distance, by email and phone)

I'm tempted to suggest using TeamViewer for a remote support session.  TeamViewer provides for remote logon to a computer over the Internet.  It is free to use for personal use.  Of course, you'd still need to direct him to TeamViewer's website, download some software, install it, and initiate a remove support session with you. So, this might not be easier with this particular person, based on the picture we have of his computer skills.

I did get him to download Open Office and without being there it was awful difficult to help him. He so far has not got it installed.

What seems to be the hurdle here?  Is the downloaded file a .exe file or a zipped file?  If .exe, can you not get him to just double click on the downloaded installation file and start the installation? 

[overthehill]

What seems to be the hurdle here?  Is the downloaded file a .exe file or a zipped file?  If .exe, can you not get him to just double click on the downloaded installation file and start the installation? 

Well soybean ,without seeing what he sees it's rather difficult to say? I've gone through this type of thing with him many times before. And, he ( another senior ) ,can make some of the simplest things unbelievable painful. If I understand him properly ,it's an exe. file but once executed he claims there are so many options and everything that he tries gets him more and more confused. I sent him a whole page of instructions that I thought would really help him.? So far (this was just yesterday) I've not heard back.
I'm thinking that I'll eventually have three options. a) forget the whole thing. b) I can download Open Office and get it going(then blow it away once I guide him through it) or, c) download Ashampoo Office 2010 (30 day evaluation) and let him know what I think of that.
I not really fond of downloading anything that I know that I'm not going to keep, so for now I'll wait and see if he's making any progress?
Thanks, overthehill

[soybean]

Well, there'd be no harm in installing and keeping TeamViewer on your computer.  And, you would have it to use in the future if this friend asked help with other computer issues.  I've used it with my mother (in her 80's) but I have a feeling she may be a bit more computer literate than your friend.   

[overthehill]

Well, there'd be no harm in installing and keeping TeamViewer on your computer.  And, you would have it to use in the future if this friend asked help with other computer issues.  I've used it with my mother (in her 80's) but I have a feeling she may be a bit more computer literate than your friend.   

Probaby a good idea. It's the next thing that I'm gonna do. Once again, thanks. overthehill

[overthehill]

Probaby a good idea. It's the next thing that I'm gonna do. Once again, thanks. overthehill

EDIT: Probably

[truenorth]

On a related note re Ashampoo" as you undoubtedly know yourself. Your friend will have a life long new best friend as Ashampoo will never let him alone. They will constantly be trying to induce more product purchases.truenorth

[overthehill]

On a related note re Ashampoo" as you undoubtedly know yourself. Your friend will have a life long new best friend as Ashampoo will never let him alone. They will constantly be trying to induce more product purchases.truenorth

How right you are. Constant hounding !. Hmmmm? , just thinking. He introduced me to a site that has been a constant thorn in my side. This could be my chance to get even .  Just kidding, you're absolutely right, we'll have to find another way. Thanks for the reminder. overthehill

[patio]

When it comes to spending cabbage...ultimately your the only one that can decide it's worth...

[overthehill]

  Decided not to give him the option. This way he can hang on to his cabbage. overthehill

[derekmiles]

I've used both and Ashampoo comes out on top. I prefer 2008 to 2010 but that might be due to familiarity.
Pricewise, just look out for the special offers, ASHAM is always coming out with them !