Installing Desktop Integration Tweaks
The core files should all be in place. Now, we're now going to install a few tweaks to make Open Office better fit your Gnome or KDE desktop. Either enter the "desktop-integration" folder from the terminal or use the file manager. To install using the terminal, type "sudo -dpkg -i openoffice.org3.0-debian-menus_3.0-9354_all.deb" (Replace with your specific file name.) To install from the file manager, click on the .deb file. The package installer will open up. It should say "all dependencies OK'ed" in the status. Click the Install button.
Setting Up File Associations in Gnome
The installation may have already set up file associations for you. If not you'll have to do it yourself to have Open Office launch files by clicking on them. In Gnome, right click on the type of file you want to have open up in OOO. Select Properties, then click on the Open With tab. If the correct Open Office program is there, choose it then hit Close. If it isn't, click Add and choose it from the list. Click Add and then select if from the Open With tab.
Setting Up File Associations in KDE
In KDE, again right-click a file and select properties. Click the wrench icon. In the General tab, highlight a program and use the Move Up and Move Down buttons to position your preferred program at the top of the list. If Open Office isn't listed, click the Add button. In the new window, select the file from the list. (It should be under "Office.") Click OK on both windows.
Initial Open Office Setup
Almost there. Now open up one of the Open Office programs from your Applications menu. Fill in any fields and click Next. When you get to the on-line update option, you'll probably want to leave the box checked. In Ubuntu and many other Linux distros, the distro itself pushes software updates to its users. However, because we are not using an official package that's tied to a distro, we won't get any updates except from Open Office themselves.
Finish
All done! Enjoy your fresh install of Open Office.
