If you have a netbook or other computer with Ubuntu pre-installed, it likely also includes Open Office. Unlike other preinstalled software packages, Open Office often does not get updated or upgraded through the built in Ubuntu Update Manager. Meanwhile, Open Office 3.1 really has enough going for it that you really want to upgrade. It is faster, fully supports MS Office doc formats, has improved graphics rendering, and more robust spreadsheet formulas, among other things.

Here is a great how-to on upgrading to Open Office 3.1, with screen shots and variations for Ubuntu 8.04, 8.10 and 9.04.

http://news.softpedia.com/news/How-to-Install-OpenOffice-org-3-1-on-Ubun...