Getting Help

This section describes some of the more useful ways of finding help using the program.

Finding What You Need in this Book

One of the best things about OpenOffice.org is that many of its features are shared. For example, you can insert spreadsheets and other objects like graphics in Writer, Impress, and other programs; drawing tools are available in Draw, Impress, Writer, and so on.

This means you have hundreds of features at your fingertips. However, it also means you might not be sure where to look for information on the topic. We generally cover major features like inserting objects in only one or two places. We use a lot of cross-references, but we don't cross-reference everything.

If you're looking for information on a feature in the chapter for your program and you can't find it, don't assume it's not in the book. It's probably just in another section, primarily here in this chapter. First and foremost we recommend you use the index.

Help and Help Agent

Help Agent is the context-sensitive online help system. Wherever you are in OpenOffice.org (the context), Help Agent displays help for that specific context. Turning Off the Help Agent on page 129 shows you how to turn off Help Agent if it becomes annoying (because it pops up constantly).

But Help Agent can be usefulwhen you display it on your own termswhen you need it. Launch Help Agent by choosing Help > Help Agent. And of course by pressing F1 for regular help.

In general, the Help is pretty good. Use it; it'll help.

Controlling Tooltips

Tooltips are the pop-up labels that display when the mouse pointer hovers over a button or menu item. Tooltips are an excellent way to discover features and capabilities without having to consult a manual or the help system.

Basic tooltips display by default. You can also show more detailed (extended) tips, or turn tips off altogether. Just choose Help > Tips or Help > Extended Tips to toggle whether they're on or off.

Help on the Web for OpenOffice.org

See Good Sources of Information Online on page 39.

Using the Navigator to Move Within and Between Documents

The Navigator (press F5) is your friend. It lets you identify and jump to elements in the current and other documents. It's not just for Writer; you can define and use styles for spreadsheets, slides, drawings, and Web pages too. For more information see Managing and Moving Around in Files Using Navigator on page 312.