OpenOffice Dictionary

Recently, I was helping someone with OpenOffice and the question of dictionaries and language tools arose. Since this information isn't obvious, I'm posting it here.

First of all, if you aren't already familiar with OpenOffice,

"OpenOffice.org 2 is the leading open-source office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. It is available in many languages and works on all common computers. It stores all your data in an international open standard format and can also read and write files from other common office software packages. It can be downloaded and used completely free of charge for any purpose."

http://why.openoffice.org/

More information about all the pieces is available here:

	Writer – a word processor you can use for anything from writing a quick letter to producing an entire book.
	Calc – a powerful spreadsheet with all the tools you need to calculate, analyse, and present your data in numerical reports or sizzling graphics.
	Impress – the fastest, most powerful way to create effective multimedia presentations.
	Draw – lets you produce everything from simple diagrams to dynamic 3D illustrations.
	Base – lets you manipulate databases seamlessly. Create and modify tables, forms, queries, and reports, all from within OpenOffice.org
	Math – lets you create mathematical equations with a graphic user interface or by directly typing your formulas into the equation editor.

Now, on to the part that wasn't obvious... If, when you install OpenOffice, you tell it your country of origin and indicate that you use something other than US English, the required dictionary is not automatically installed. Fair enough. However, there is no warning about this, and the spell check simply behaves as if there are no errors discovered in your document (i.e., it doesn't use the installed US English dictionary either).

If you are using a language other than English (US), you need to do the following:

"To install a new dictionary, call "File -> Wizards -> Install new dictionaries" in OpenOffice.org. Then exit and re-start OpenOffice.org, including the Quickstarter (if used)."

More info here: http://wiki.services.openoffice.org/wiki/Dictionaries

Not difficult; just not obvious.