openoffice doc's...compatibility with Windows...

[97tbird]

So i run ubuntu 10.10 and have openoffice installed.

I like it, and can open MS word documents etc with it.

BUT the problem is, when it's the other way around...
When i have to send someone a document/file made with Openoffice.
99% of my friends use Windows, and they can't open the files that i send...
I had a horrible problem when i emailed an attachment (ODT file) to myself and tried to open it at work using a Win xp pc. I knew that Ms word would not open it, but had hoped i could at least open it using notepad or something - nope - it just opened a page with all kinds of garbled characters...

Is there a solution (on MY end) to this other than installing ms office using WINE? Even if did get WINE i don't have a copy of MS office to install...

or does ubuntu have any other text programs that one can open with a generic windows text software like note pad?

Any other solutions?

EDIT: i am stupid - Openoffice gives you the choice of saving a document in Windows XP/office formats !!!

 

[Hokiefyd]

Don't you have the option to save as a .doc file? Word doesn't recognize the .odt file, even though it's supposed to be an open-source XML-based file type from what I understand.

The PC versions of OpenOffice allow you to save as a .doc as I recall.

 

[97tbird]

LOL see edit - you typed while i was editing


Thanks man

 

[javacontour]

Yes, OO has the ability to save in a .doc or .docx or even a Rich Text (.rtf)

So don't send .odt's, save them as an MS format to send.

When you choose "Save As" there should be a dialog to select a different format.

EDIT: I see you found it, great!

 

[CivicFan]

Just an FYI, Word 2010 will open ODT files.

 

[uc50ic4more]

Originally Posted By: CivicFan
Just an FYI, Word 2010 will open ODT files.


And you can install a plugin for OpenDocument files for MS Office versions prior to that, *I think*.