My 3rd MacBook Report - Productivity for Free

I finally got my wireless network access functioning on my MacBook. It wasn't too difficult. I just had to create a new network connection for the AirPort, select my access point by its SSID and select the correct security protocol being used. The thing that might throw some people off is that it calls for a WEP password, where some programs refer to it as a WEP key. No matter - it works like a charm.

For my next trick, I thought I'd investigate my productivity software options. The MacBook comes with a trial (naturally) of Microsoft Office for Mac. Whatever...... I felt it was time to give OpenOffice a chance on this machine and wave buh-bye to Office - which, once the trial runs out will cost money. I found out that OpenOffice requires the X11 interface to be installed first. I came to realize that X11 is included on the DVD that came with the laptop. I just went through the Optional Software route on the disc and found X11, then installed it. Next, I went to OpenOffice and prepared to download the program for Mac (X11).

Luckily, they make a set of installation instructions available for download. I recommend you do that because X11 has to be configured a certain way for OpenOffice to work properly. Then I downloaded the software (there are a few choices based on what version of Mac OS X you have and whether your Mac has an Intel processor or not) and installed it per the instructions. Voila! OpenOffice YO! One thing to note here is that OpenOffice actually runs as an application inside X11. But you only have to drag and drop the OpenOffice icon from your applications folder to the dock and you're ready to run it. X11 will open for it automatically. A little daunting, but you just have to trust it. So that does it - Office for Mac can be gone now. One less unnecessary program to buy.