Writer (word processor) Writer has everything you would expect from a modern, fully equipped word processor or desktop publisher. It's simple enough for a quick memo, powerful enough to create complete books with contents, diagrams, indexes, etc. You're free to concentrate on your message - while Writer makes it look great. Writer can of course read all your old Microsoft Word documents, or save your work in Microsoft Word format for sending to people who are still locked into Microsoft products. also try AbiWord
	Calc (spreadsheet) Calc is the spreadsheet program you've always wanted. Newcomers find it intuitive and easy to learn; professional data miners and number crunchers will appreciate the comprehensive range of advanced functions. Of course, you are free to use your old Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, or save your work in Excel format for sending to people who are still locked into Microsoft products. If all they want to see is your results, then use Portable Document Format (.pdf) - no need to buy any extra software.
	Impress (presentation) Impress is a truly outstanding tool for creating effective multimedia presentations. Your presentations will stand out with 2D and 3D clip art, special effects, animation, and high-impact drawing tools. Of course, you are free to use your old Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, or save your work in PowerPoint format for sending to people who are still locked into Microsoft products. Alternatively, use Impress's built-in ability to create Flash (.swf) versions of your presentations.
	Base (database tool) Base enables you to manipulate database data seamlessly within OpenOffice.org. Create and modify tables, forms, queries, and reports, either using your own database or BASE's own built-in HSQL database engine. Base offers a choice of using Wizards, Design Views, or SQL Views for beginners, intermediate, and advanced users. Base supports many popular databases database natively (Adabas D, ADO, Microsoft Access, MySQL), or any database through industry-standard ODBC and JDBC drivers. It also supports any LDAP compliant address book, as well as common formats such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Windows, and Mozilla.
	Evolution (email & calendar client) Evolution is the official personal information manager and workgroup information management tool for GNOME. It combines e-mail, calendar, address book, and task list management functions. Its user interface and functionality are similar to Microsoft Outlook. It has some distinguishing features: full-text indexing of all incoming mail, and a "Virtual Folders" feature. ("Virtual Folders" are saved searches that look like normal mail folders). Evolution can be connected to a Microsoft Exchange Server using its web interface and an Evolution add-on called Connector. Using gnome-pilot, it may be synchronized with Palm Pilot devices, and Multisync enables it to be synchronized with mobile telephones and other PDAs. Evolution also sports advanced junk mail filtering as well as impressive desktop integration. also try Thunderbird or Kontact