Frequently Asked Questions
General
- Who are 8daysaweek?
- Why should I buy an item from 8daysaweek.co.uk?
- Is it easy to install programs from the CDs or DVDs?
- What sort of programs are included on the 8daysaweek CDs and DVDs?
- Can I install the software from your discs on multiple computers?
- Can I buy in bulk and redistribute your items?
- What are portable applications?
- What is Open Source Software? What is Freeware? What is Shareware?
OpenOffice.org
- Is OpenOffice.org a genuine alternative to Microsoft Office and other office suites?
- Will I find OpenOffice.org difficult to use if I'm not technically minded?
- How many people use OpenOffice.org?
- If I use OpenOffice.org can other people open documents/files I send them?
- If I use OpenOffice.org can I open Word/Excel and Access files?
- Can OpenOffice.org be used by businesses?
- What are the System Requirements for using OpenOffice.org 3?
- Why do you sell more than 1 OpenOffice.org disc? What are the differences?
- What does ISO mean?
Ordering
- How do I order?
- What methods of payment do you accept?
- Do you accept orders from overseas?
- What is your privacy policy?
- What if I want to cancel my order?
- Do you have a loyalty scheme for returning customers?
- Can you send me an Invoice/VAT receipt?
Delivery
- What are your P&P charges?
- How soon will my items arrive?
- What if I want to return my order?
Technical Problems & Support
- What if I have trouble installing the software?
- Is there a telephone number where I can contact you?
- How do I register on your forums?
- How can I contact you?
- How do I subscribe/unsubscribe to/from the 8daysaweek mailing list?
- Are there training courses for using OpenOffice.org and other Open Source programs?
- I have a question that isn't answered here, how can I ask it?
General
Who are 8daysaweek?
Please see our About Us page.
Why should I buy an item from 8daysaweek.co.uk?
- Easy Installation Menus (Windows CDs & DVDs) and simple
instructions.
- Even with a fast Internet connection, to search for, compare, select
and download all of the programs on our discs & USB Keys would take
many hours. Programs on our USB Keys have been pre-installed and tested
- saving your time.
- We regularly search for, and test Open Source Software and Freeware programs to
include on our discs.
Any program/software we do include will have these things in common:
Program Requirements 1
- High Quality
- Useful
- Easy to install and use
- Aimed predominantly at end users
- Provides functions not available elsewhere, or significantly more expensive
- No cost to use, no registration required, no expiry, no adware, spyware etc.
When considering any additional programs/software for inclusion we prefer:
Program Requirements 1
- Open Source
- Cross Platform (will work on more than one Operating System - e.g. Windows® & Mac OS®)
- Projects with regularly maintained websites and/or releases of new versions
- We regularly update and release new versions of our items.
We try to ensure that the current release of any of our items has the latest version of OpenOffice.org and the latest version of all the other software titles on the CD to save you time checking for new releases. - Our CDs & DVDs are professionally produced using
high quality CD/DVD media. We print the full-colour logos and text
directly onto the surface of the CD. See a
picture here. We select
USB Keys from well known manufacturers and with desirable features, such as being physically
small and/or capless.
- We offer automatic improvements, or optional extras during installation.
e.g. we offer the option of installing the UK (GB) English Language Pack - The 8daysaweek.co.uk CD/DVD
automatically installs the latest version of JRE (Java Runtime
Environment).
OpenOffice.org requires Java (more software) for some functions. - Web pages on our discs give you more help when installing and using OpenOffice.org
- Part of the proceeds from the sales of our items help to keep this site running, providing
downloads, resources, news and support to OOo users, and advocating and supporting Open
Source Software projects and developers.
- We make a donation to OpenOffice.org for every 8daysaweek CD sold and regularly donate to the other projects whose software we distribute.
You can also read what others have said about our items and service on the Testimonials page, in the Customer / User Feedback Forum, or on Feefo.
Is it easy to install the programs from the CDs, DVDs or USB Keys?
The reason we first created the 8daysaweek CD for Windows® was to make it easier to install OpenOffice.org. Easy to follow printed instructions for installing OpenOffice.org are provided, and on-screen instructions are also included on the discs in case more help is needed. The installation process is designed to be easy for anyone to use.
The other programs on the discs are all easy to install, the process for most simply being to double-click, then follow the on-screen prompts. Simple instructions are provided.
Portable Applications on USB Key don't even require installation, just plug in and go!
What sort of programs are included on the 8daysaweek CDs and DVDs?
8daysaweek Discs are organized as follows:
Categories
- Accessories
Categories: Calendars, Clipboard Managers, Clocks, RSS Readers, Virtual Sticky Notes, Wallpaper Changers, Personal Wikis - Educational
Categories: Space simulations, Virtual Planetariums - Internet
Categories: Browsers, Email Clients, FTP Clients - Multimedia
Categories: Audio (Edit/Play), Imaging (3D, Vector, Photo editing and fun), Video (Screen recording, editing and playback) - Office
Categories: Office Suite, PDF creation, viewing and manipulation - Projects
Categories: Mind-mapping, Project Managment, Structured notes - Security
Categories: Anti-Spyware, AntiVirus, Internet Connection Security, Secure Password Storage - Text-Editors
Categories: Word Processor, HTML/Web editing, Text editing, Desk Top Publishing - Utilities
Categories: Archiving (Compression & storage), Backup, Disk Cleaning, Disk Statistics, Bulk File Renaming,
Memory Managers, Empty Folder Removal, Screenshot Tools, Taskbar Tools
Can I install the software from your discs on multiple computers?
Yes. There are no licensing restrictions with Open Source Software or Freeware, so you don't need to buy additional discs for each computer you install on.
However, remember that the programs on the disc are updated regularly, so you may want to buy the newest versions of the discs when released. You might also consider buying additional copies of the discs to give to friends and family.
Can I buy in bulk and redistribute your items?
If you would like to buy a larger quantity of our CDs, DVDs or USB Keys for redistribution (minimum order £50.00 excluding P&P), please contact us and we will be happy to discuss this with you.
What are Portable Applications?
Portable Applications (or Portable Apps) are programs that can be run from a USB flash drive on any Windows® computer. When plugged in you access your software and personal data just as you would on your own PC. When you unplug the device, none of your personal data is left behind.
We supply USB Keys with a complete collection of portable applications from portableapps.com including a web browser, email client, office suite, calendar/scheduler, instant messaging client, antivirus, audio player, sudoku game, password manager, PDF reader, minesweeper clone, backup utility and integrated menu. All our USB Flash Drives are preconfigured, installed and tested to work portably.
What is Open Source Software? What is Freeware? What is Shareware?
Open Source Software
For a description of Open Source Software, please see our Information for New Visitors page.
Freeware
Freeware is computer software which is made available free of charge, although typically freeware is proprietary (owned by a person or organization).
Unlike "free software" (as defined by Richard Stallman), it is usually distributed without source code and often carries a restrictive license. For example, a license might allow the software to be freely copied, but not sold, or might forbid commercial, government or military use.
A Note about Freeware
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeware
Shareware
Shareware is software that is distributed free on a trial basis with the understanding that the user may need or want to pay for it later. Some software developers offer a shareware version of their program with a built-in expiration date (e.g. after 30 days, the user can no longer get access to the program). Other shareware (sometimes called liteware) is offered with certain capabilities disabled as an enticement to buy the complete version of the program.
Although we don't preclude the possibility of including shareware titles on our discs at some point, at present none is included, and it is unlikely that any will meet with our criteria for including programs on the discs.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shareware
OpenOffice.org
Is OpenOffice.org a genuine alternative to Microsoft Office and other office suites?
Yes. Please see our OpenOffice.org page for more details.
Will I find OpenOffice.org difficult to use if I'm not technically minded?
No. Please see our OpenOffice.org page for more details.
How many people use OpenOffice.org?
By 2007 there had been well over 100 million downloads of the OpenOffice.org software worldwide.
There have been over 43 million downloads of OpenOffice.org 3 since it was released in October 2008. There continue to be approx 250,000 downloads every day.
It is estimated that the number of copies in use could be much higher. Not all downloads can be counted, CDs and DVDs that include OOo are not counted, pre-installations on new computers are not counted, and the non-restrictive license means that one copy of the program can be installed on many computers.
If I use OpenOffice.org can other people open documents/files I send them?
Yes. Please see our OpenOffice.org page for more details.
If I use OpenOffice.org can I open Word/Excel and Access files?
Yes. Please see our OpenOffice.org page for more details.
Can OpenOffice.org be used by businesses?
Yes. Please see our OpenOffice.org page for more details.
What are the System Requirements for using OpenOffice.org 3?
Here are the published System Requirements:
Microsoft Windows
- Windows 2000 (Service Pack 2 or higher), Windows XP, Windows 2003, Windows Vista
- 256 Mbytes RAM (512 MB RAM recommended)
- 440 Mbytes available disk space.
- 1024 x 768 or higher resolution with at least 256 colours
- in our experience, OOo can be used successfully on computers having screen resolutions of 800x600, or "Netbooks" with screen resolutions of 1024x600. However it has been noted that some options settings / dialog boxes may not be fully viewable in screens below 1024 x 768.
Mac OS X
- Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or higher
- Intel Processor
- 512 Mbytes RAM
- 400 Mbytes available disk space
- 1024 x 768 or higher resolution with 16.7 Million colours
GNU/Linux ("Linux")
- Linux kernel version 2.4 or higher, glibc2 version 2.3.2 or higher
- 256 Mbytes RAM (512 MB recommended)
- 400 Mbytes available disk space
- X-Server with 1024 x 768 or higher resolution with at least 256 colours
Solaris: SPARC platform edition or x86 platform edition
- Solaris 10 OS or higher
- 256 Mbytes RAM
- 450 Mbytes available disk space
- X-Server with 1024 x 768 or higher resolution with at least 256 colours
Java
The minimum JRE version required to use full OpenOffice.org functionality that require JAVA is JRE version 1.5.x
For accessibility - All platforms
- Java Runtime Environment as above
- Java Access Bridge - to get the Java Access Bridge, visit java.sun.com/products/accessbridge
Linux / Solaris:
- Installation of GNOME 2.6
Why do you sell more than one OpenOffice.org disc? What are the differences?
When we first became a Community Distributor, we saw a number of improvements that could be made to the disc at the time. We have since improved our discs much more over the years. 8daysaweek.co.uk CDs and DVDs have our Easy Installation Menus, installation enhancements, online help files or all the additional Open Source and Freeware programs.
We also sell the "Standard ISO Image" disc, which doesn't include the above mentioned easy installation menus, help files and additional programs. This is the disc offered by most other Community Distributors. It doesn't always include the latest version of OpenOffice.org, sometimes a few weeks or months may pass before the disc is updated.
If you are confident about installing programs, can't or don't want to do a long download, or simply want a backup copy just of OpenOffice.org, then the "Standard ISO Image" disc will probably be adequate for you.
The "Standard ISO Image" has an OpenOffice.org logo printed directly onto high-quality media in full colour. We are not responsible for the contents of the CD and don't make any changes to it.
What does ISO mean?
ISO refers to the "International Organization for Standardization". If you're thinking "Why isn't it IOS?" look here.
The phrase "ISO image", when referring to CDs or DVDs, just means that an "image" or structure of a disc has been agreed upon which conforms to ISO standards for CDs or DVDs and can be read by all computers.
Our other CDs & DVDs also conform to ISO standards they're just different from the "Standard" disc described above.
Ordering
How do I order?
Placing an order is easy, and you should find each step simple and intuitive. For your peace of mind, we have listed the steps here, and provided screenshots on the How to Order page.
Screenshots
- From our homepage click on [Shop] on the Navigation Bar
- Locate the item you want, and enter the number of copies you wish to order
- Click on [Add to Cart]
Sub List
- To add further items to your cart, click on [Continue Shopping] to return
to the Shop
(free delivery on orders of £15.00 or over) - You can click [View Cart] on the Navigation Bar at any time to view the Cart contents
- To add further items to your cart, click on [Continue Shopping] to return
to the Shop
- When you have finished shopping, click the [Go To Payments] button in the Shopping Cart
- Follow the instructions to enter your personal details (name, address etc.), click [Continue]
- Review your order details and select your payment method, click [Continue]
- If you choose an online payment method, your details will be passed from our cart to the payment processor's secure website to complete payment for your order.
- You will then need to fill in some additional details, such as Credit/Debit Card number etc.
Online payment methods: when payment is completed, you will receive two emails:
Two Emails
- one from us, confirming receipt of your order, and
- one from the payment processor, confirming that your payment has been successful.
Offline payment methods: you will be directed to instructions on our website for completing your order. You'll receive one email:
One Email
- from us, confirming your order
What methods of payment do you accept?
Please see our Payment Options page.
Do you accept orders from overseas?
Yes, we accept orders from all over the world. Please see our Terms & Conditions page for details on postage & packaging.
What is your privacy policy?
Please see our Terms & Conditions page.
What if I want to cancel my order?
Please see our Terms & Conditions page.
Do you have a loyalty scheme for returning customers?
We offer all returning customers a re-order discount. To claim your discount we give you a Personal Discount Voucher Code (PDVC).
If you reorder from us, you can use this PDVC to receive a 15% discount off the items in your Shopping Cart.
You can also use the Referral Slips [soon to be] available from our website to give your PDVC to friends, relatives, colleagues or others.
Can you send me an Invoice/VAT receipt?
We aren't currently VAT registered.
When you place an order with us via our Shopping Cart you will receive an order acknowledgement by email which includes all of the details of your order including the prices of individual items.
You can print the email receipt, or the details of a transaction emailed to you from our payment processor to use for your records.
Delivery
What are your P&P charges?
Please see our Terms & Conditions page.
How soon will my items arrive?
Please see our Terms & Conditions page.
What if I want to return my order?
Please see our Terms & Conditions page.
Technical Problems & Support
What if I have trouble installing the software?
Please ensure that:
- your computer hardware meets the system requirements for running/installing the software
- you have read and closely followed any written instructions that came with your CD or DVD
- you have read and followed all instructions in all on-screen prompts during the installation process
By searching our forums you will find previous discussions of issues. You may find that other users have already found a solution.
You may also want to register and post a question on the forums, and upload screenshots or attach files, to explain your issue precisely. There is a list of guidelines about what to include in your post here.
Our moderators regularly check the forums for new posts, so you may receive a reply either from fellow users, or one of us.
Is there a telephone number where I can contact you?
We conduct all of our communications online, you can contact us via the About Us page. We provide online support through our forums.
How do I register on your forums?
You can always read the forum contents without registering. However, if you would like to send us some feedback, ask a question, or post an answer to help someone else, you will need to register on the forums. Your email address will not be visible to other users. It will be treated in accordance with the terms you agree to when registering on the forums, and our Privacy Policy.
Forum Registration
- From the 8daysaweek.co.uk homepage, click on [Forums] in the Navigation Bar
- Follow the link to the 8daysaweek.co.uk Forums
- Click on [Register] at the top right of the page
- Read the terms and click [I agree to these terms] to confirm your acceptance
- Choose a username and password and enter your email address as per
the instructions on screen
Valid Email Address
- Please note that you will need to enter a valid email address before your account is activated. You will receive an email at the address you provide that contains an account activation link.
- You must also enter a number (called the VIP Code) for protection against Spam. The answer is contained on the [Help] page of our website.
- As a further protection against Spam (yes it really is that much of a problem!) you must also enter the automatically generated confirmation code at the bottom of the screen.
- Click the [Submit] button to continue
After you have submitted your information, you will receive an email with an activation link. You must follow the instructions in the email in order to activate your account and begin posting.
How can I contact you?
From the www.8daysaweek.co.uk homepage follow the About Us link on the menu bar. You will find contact information there.
We endeavor to respond to all messages promptly, sometimes it may take up to 48 hours for us to reply.
How do I subscribe/unsubscribe to/from the 8daysaweek mailing list?
From the www.8daysaweek.co.uk homepage follow the Mailing Lists link on the menu bar. Follow the on-screen instructions to subscribe/unsubscribe.
Are there training courses for using OpenOffice.org and other Open Source programs?
Please see our Training page.
I have a question that isn't answered here, how can I ask it?
For any support questions, please contact us by posting in the forums. You can also post feedback and other comments there.
For questions you may have while considering whether to buy one of our items (pre-sales), or for any other correspondence (not support questions) please contact us via the About Us page.
