Brainstorming on FAQs -- draft

Work In Progress - not yet an approved public resource, please refer to the dev list. Keep it simple and factual!

1. Is there a release of Apache OpenOffice I can download?
   • Not yet. The Apache OpenOffice project will be releasing a new binary soon, which will be called Apache OpenOffice v3.4.
   • Major features of this release include the removal of all code under non-Apache-approved open source licenses and in most cases replacement with alternative code under approved licenses, plus new features including a native SVG implementation.
   • Developer versions are available although they are not intended for end-user purposes apart from testing
      
2. Has Sun/Oracle ceased OpenOffice development?
   • Yes. In mid-2011 Oracle chose to transfer all future development under the OpenOffice brand to the Apache Software Foundation (ASF).
   • The OpenOffice.org trademarks and domain names now belong to the ASF.
   • Oracle has changed the open source license on all the OpenOffice.org copyrights it owns to the Apache License v2.
   • For full information please consult Oracle's official statements.
      
3. Is OpenOffice still open source? Is it still free software?
   • Yes. Apache OpenOffice is still both open source software and free software.
   • The new license, the Apache License 2.0, is compatible with the GNU GPLv3 and with the GNU LGPLv3 (the previous license).
   • If you are concerned about price, Apache OpenOffice will be available at no cost from the official website http://www.openoffice.org
      
4. Why has the name changed?
   • The names for future released code have been changed to match Apache's trademark guidelines.
   • The Apache OpenOffice project now owns the original OpenOffice.org domain and plans to use it for the continuation and future promotion of the Apache OpenOffice project.
   • Future code releases from the OpenOffice.org domain will be called "Apache OpenOffice".
      
5. Is Apache OpenOffice a full Apache Project?
   • Not yet. The Apache OpenOffice project is still in incubation and has not yet requested graduation to a TLP.
   • The project will do so once the graduation criteria have all been met, most notably having a release of the code approved by the Apache Software Foundation.
      
6. Who is building Apache OpenOffice releases?
   • In common with other Apache projects, work on Apache OpenOffice is performed by individual volunteers.
   • Development is done a number of the original developers of OpenOffice.org in addition to community volunteers and developers from other projects derived from the OpenOffice codebase including IBM Symphony.
      
7. Where can I get updates to the copy of OpenOffice.org that I am running?
   • There have been no updates to OpenOffice.org binaries released for users since Oracle stopped development and there will be no patches to those earlier binary programs released.
   • The project is currently preparing a new version of the code and it will be available through the openoffice.org website.
   • Once Apache OpenOffice v3.4 is released, the project recommends you replace your OpenOffice.org installation with it.
   • Again, there are developer versions available for testing purposes.
      
8. I have seen adverts on eBay and elsewhere offering OpenOffice for sale. Are they from this project?
   • No. Apache does not sell software or engage in any other commercial activity.
   • OpenOffice is open source software that can be freely downloaded from the Internet.
   • Third parties are allowed to redistribute it for a fee or add their own software to it.
   • Users are warned however that there are some dishonest people who will try to sell unrelated products for huge fees or include adware and malware in bundles, or sell "subscriptions" that result in repeated charges to your credit card.
   • Users are warned to only download from the project directly and not from other sites.