There are dozens of alternative word processing programs,but only three that most people are using in today’s market. The first is the Microsoft Works word processor that comes bundled with a basic spreadsheet and data storage program pre-installed on many new computers,especially low-cost versions. It is very basic and doesn’t have a lot of graphic capability. It also is not viewable or editable in other programs,so if you send a document through the internet,be sure the person you send it to has Works (preferably the same version as you do) or has some way of translating it.
The second (and my personal favorite) is Word Perfect from Corel. I grew up in computers using this program and I have always considered it the easiest and most flexible to use. Most of the best features in Word today were available in Word Perfect first. Corel has not made as many changes to Word Perfect as Microsoft has to Word,so it is not quite as powerful as Word,but I still prefer the ease of use and compatibility with other programs that Word Perfect offers. It is also much less expensive than Word to buy separately or in a package with a spreadsheet and presentation software. A comparable version of this package is Microsoft’s Office and runs from $129-$700 depending on features and the number of additional programs offered. Word Perfect will cost you anywhere from free to about $300 if you get everything offered (Quattro Pro spreadsheet,presentation software,chart and graph creator,dictionary,address book,contact manager and email,drawing program,pdf creator and lots more).
Finally,there is a very nice suite of programs available free from www.openoffice.org called,interestingly enough,Open Office. It includes a word processor similar to Word Perfect,a spreadsheet similar to Excel (Microsoft),a presentation program like Power Point (Microsoft),a drawing program and a database (like business contacting software) which I really like. Because it is free,most customer support is only available on-line or through email,but it is very good software and you can’t beat the price.
I’m out of room,so spreadsheets and other associated programs will have to wait for another article. Until then,stay safe and happy computing.
Shaun McCausland has been in the computer industry for 27 years (locally with Musicomp &Bits ‘N’Bytes) and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation,service,training and repair. If you have questions,you can reach him at 668-7118.
