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Hello @all,
OpenOffice.org 3.0.1 is behind the door and - of course - the portable version too 
We have now languagepacks and the imagepack as real plugins with version check.
I'm thinking about removing python too an put it to an plugin, cause 90 percent of the users never use it (saves ~11 MB installed space and ~4MB in the package).
Python is needed for tools like mailmerge and other pyuno related stuff:
Learn more about python and OpenOffice.org
What do You think?
For those who don't know (Like Me), what function does Python perform and how space does it add to the download?
... post updated.
python what? I never used it! 
Remove it if it's not too complicated.
Just my 2 cents.
If it's required for mail merge I think it should stay. Alternatively, have an explanation of the functions it is required for next to the plugin installer download. If possible maybe some sort of pop up for if people go to use mail merge or other lost functions that states you need to install the Python Plugin which can be found here.
The pop up would probably need to state this will not break the portability of the app as I know for many add ons and plugins for many portable apps you need to check if it will will install to the portable version or to the host pc.
ditch it if you think it is better/smaller for the majority.
The python part of the kit is only 4Mb whereas the kit itself is 86.5Mb, which is what 5% of the space. And the 11Mb after installation is 250Mb so python makes up less than 4%. I say keep it. Or create two version of the kit one with, one without and make it clear to the user what they will lose by downloading the without. Personally mailmerge is vital.
https://portableapps.com/about/what_is_a_portable_app :
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A portable app is a computer program that you can carry around with you on a portable device and use on any Windows computer. When your USB flash drive, portable hard drive, iPod or other portable device is plugged in, you have access to your software and personal data just as you would on your own PC. And when you unplug the device, none of your personal data is left behind.
No Special Hardware - Use any USB flash drive, portable hard drive, iPod/MP3 player, etc
No Additional Software - Just download, run the portable installer and go
No Kidding - It's that easy
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It's not written that the apps are modified to be smaller !
I just think that remove functionnality just to save small space does not worth the try.
If you do that you can't say anymore "Yes, OpenOffice.org 3.0 Portable is *just the same* that OpenOffice.org 3.0 except you could run it on USB"
You'll have to add "but it doesn't include that functionnality" which may be confusing for users (pyWhat ?) and may lead them to think that it just work not as good as the original version.
If we're talking about more than 50% of the package, an "OpenOffice.org portable light version" should be OK, but for 5%...
but if You think removing python is a modification You are wrong
It is just an option (also in the original version). Its Your choise, You can install it or let it be
But please dont ask for Light versions or OptionPacks any longer
OK back to work. I'll inform You when the packages are ready for testing.
Why not have the option to install it during the installation process? This could be done in the same way that it is done with installers that have additional languages.
Too confusing as users won't know what the heck it is and you can't adequately explain it in a single line in an installer. The only thing we use the optional bits for right now is additional languages.
If it'll avoid confusion, I vote for keeping it. The size difference isn't too bad.
Flash storage is getting much cheaper. As we tire of what we have, or run out of space, purchasing a new one is very reasonable. The space issue is not as important when you can buy a sandisk 8G for about $35 on sale if you are patient and shop. When it first came out and was about $100 or more per gig, cost was a big factor.
The program, like most word processing programs today, is full of incredible features, most of which will never be used by the normal user. But we have to be a little bit of a 'geek' to see the potential of portable apps in the first place. That means we are explorers in the world of bits and bites and should have the ability to grow into the potential of each program. If we start limiting features, assuming the majority need, we also place limitations on the potential usefulness of the program.
I would be for the full version or a two version option.
...thanks for all the work you guys do so the rest of us can do things easier and better. Checking the forum each day is educational, fun and like finding Christmas presents on your computer each day.
Raleigh
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