Two Free Alternatives To Microsoft Office

Posted by Chad in Recommended on Nov 24th, 2009 | no responses

openoffice So you got a new computer, now what? It was expensive enough as it is, but now you learn you have pay another $300 to actually write a document or check your email? That doesn’t seem right.

Don’t get caught up in the same old routine of spending hundreds of dollars on software for a machine that already cost you hundreds of dollars. Slow down, take a deep breath and then take a look around. As with anything you need in this life, there are usually at least a few choices. Software is no different.

Before you run out to buy that copy of Microsoft Office, put your credit card away and look at these two great alternatives that won’t cost you a dime. And no, you can’t buy the Student Edition if you’re not a student (or a teacher).

Google Docs (www.google.com/docs)

Where would we be without Google? It is so much more than just a search engine that steals your identity and invades your privacy whenever possible, giving marketers increasingly specific information about what products they might be able to sell you. That is, if you believe that’s what they do. It’s not quite that evil. No, Google is leading the charge when it comes to finding new and clever ways to boost your productivity and participation with modern technology.

With Google Docs you have an online-only, web-based, alternative to Microsoft Office. There are three primary applications, for word processing (Word), spreadsheets (Excel) and presentations (PowerPoint). For an Outlook alternative, create a free account on Gmail.

Pros	Cons
Nothing to install	Online only (there is an add-on to change this)
Your files are accessible from anywhere in the world.	Interface can be clunky
Easy to share files with others	Limited keystroke functionality
Works with all common file formats, including PDF.	Fewer features, Office Power Users will feel limited.

OpenOffice.Org (www.openoffice.org)

Sometimes you just want the look and feel of a real-life installed application. Maybe you don’t have constant Internet access or just simply prefer something with that “Office” feel. Check out OpenOffice.org.

Openoffice.org has a feature set that is more in sync with what users expect from an alternative to Microsoft Office. There are four primary applications, for word processing (Word), spreadsheets (Excel), presentations (PowerPoint) and databases (Access). Like with Google Docs, there is no built-in Outlook alternative. Try Thunderbird for a nice option.

Pros	Cons
Plenty of features	Large download, installation
Works with all common file formats, including PDF	Interface can be clunky
Powerful spreadsheet application	Can feel slow
Frequent Upgrades	Office Power Users will feel limited

Wrapping Up

Technology is constantly evolving, making things that previously cost a lot relatively cheap and sometimes even free. Think about this before spending money on software. With a little searching, you can usually find nice alternatives to programs without spending anything.