Compared to iWorks it has better functionality and Lotus Symphony’s simplicity stands out. Compared to Microsoft Office, it is less intimidating and less gimmicky. To be honest, I actually prefer its layout than iWorks: it is as clear, effective and well positioned as iWorks, but also simpler to understand.Ĭompared to, it is better thought out. In terms of first impression on usability, it is probably better than Microsoft or. Also note that your main menu bar, the one with “file menu” etc on it changed with different type of document. I also like the “thumbnail” feature (Windows->Show Thumbnails or Ctrl-T). This implementation by IBM actually helps you in your work. However, it was so awkward and get in the way of your work that it was a relief when later versions of StarOffice/ dumped it. Back in the 90s when SUN release the first version of StarOffice, it has something call the SUN Desktop which contain all your open documents and actually do more-or-less what your main window do. This means rather than openning separate application for spreadsheet, document and presentation, you have them all in one window, your main window. What I really like is the “documents” tab where all your open documents are listed there. The “ribbon system” had to be made “smaller” so as to expose more screen area for the main document, but with right hand panels this problem does not exists, and it has more space to make the UI in it “larger” and better arranged. Both iWorks’ and Symphony’s right hand panel performs virtually the same function as Microsoft much touted “Ribbon System”, but being placed on the right hand side rather than the top, it suits the current cinema-screen style monitor standard better. It may be more simple than iWorks, but it is for the better coz it is more easy to use than iWork. It use a right hand panel which works a bit like iWorks right hand panel. It may not be as flashy as iWork, but it is certainly a refreshing change from Microsoft Office. Starting “Lotus Symphony Documents” reveals the main UI. I would had prefer the installation process ask me whether I want this done rather than assuming I want it.
The second disappointing thing is the automatic installation of three shortcut buttons for the three applications on my desktop. This is dissappointing because it is an old practice whcih Microsoft abandoned with Office 2003 and above (thank god). Then come the first disappointment: When you click Start->All Programs from Windows, you find that it actually installed three icons, one each to “Documents”/”Presentation”/”Spreadsheet” instead of putting them into a folder named “Lotus Symphony”. The only surprise is the prompt to “restart” Window, especially if you are used to Eclipse.
Comparatively it takes much less time to install than Microsoft Office and. It is also less confusing than ’s installation.
Like any Windows-based software, it is easy.
The download is a self-extracting zip file, which you have to unzip then click setup.exe. Second, the screenshots look good and I want to compare it with Microsoft Office, and iWork.įirst thing is to install it.
Not wanting to spend a penny on Lotus Workspace, peeking inside Lotus Symphony will simply have to do ?. Firstly, as a programmer, I am naturally curious on how IBM used Eclipse in Lotus Workspace.
I downloaded the Windows version and took it for a spin.
If anyone knows where the source code of Improv is, they'd do the world a favor by releasing it as Open Source so it could be implemented in modern environments.As you all know, IBM just released Lotus Symphony, a free Office Application for Windows and Linux (with Mac to follow). MS tried to mimic Improv in a release of Excel a decade or so ago, but as usual, missed the point. Third, they did not even think about resurrecting Improv, which represented a complete rethink of spreadsheets and how they work. Second, it too slavishly imitates the horrible user interface of Office instead of going back and reviving the very simple, flexible interface and menus of the Lotus 1-2-3 R5 (a program I still use regularly in preference to any other spreadsheet) thus those of us with piles of WK4 files are still stuck. First, it is unable to open old 1-2-3 files in the WKS, WK3, and WK4 formats. I use Lotus Symphony 2 and prefer it to OO because it is less clumsy under the fingers, but IBM is missing a beat or two in its construction. Today's Lotus Symphony has absolutely nothing to do with the Lotus Symphony of yore.