OpenOffice 3.2 ready for download

OpenOffice 3.2 is now available for download.

The latest version of the open source alternative to Microsoft's Office suite brings a host of new features, including faster start times and support for more file types.

OpenOffice.org is promising a 46 per cent boost in cold start times for spreadsheet system Calc and document editor Writer over version 3.0.

Calc sees a series of usability tweaks, while Chart, Base and Draw get new functions.

The MediaWiki filter has been removed from OpenOffice to become an extension, so developers can update it separately.

It's also made "further strides in compliance" with ODF 1.2 standards, and extends support to new Microsoft formats.

For the full list of new features in OpenOffice 3.2, see here and visit the site to download it for free.

Read on for more free alternatives to the Microsoft Office suite.