Issue 20.14
For a number of years, I have offered to put a free office suite on computers that I work on if the client does not have Microsoft Office or Word Perfect Office. These are both good programs but they cost quite a bit, depending on the version you purchase. The free suite that I have offered is Open Office and it is a very solid and easy to use set of programs including a Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Data Manager and Presentation software in addition to a few other nice features. They are good and easy to use and I still recommend them.
Over the last couple of years there is a new kid on the block called Libre Office. It has essentially the same types of programs and can even share documents back and forth with Open Office as well as Word and to some extent, Word Perfect. With Word Perfect it is a two-step process because Corel (the owner of WP) has objected to both Open and Libre translating their files. While I consider this a foolish choice on Corel’s part, they do have the right to control their translations.
If you need to transfer files from either of these free programs to or from Word Perfect, the easiest way is to “Save As” your document as a txt (text) file or an rtf (rich text format) file, then open it in the other program. This process will allow you to edit it once it is transferred, though you may have to save it under a new file name in some cases when the file has been designated as a “read only” file.
I have used both of these programs extensively and find them very capable of doing most things I want to do and I feel they are easier to use than the newer versions of the commercial programs. There are some bells and whistles they don’t have, but usually they are things I never use anyway. You can find them at http://www.openoffice.us.com/ and http://www.libreoffice.org/
The other programs in the suite are similar and usually are compatible with what you are doing. If you have trouble transferring spreadsheets or other files, use the same process. Find a format that both programs are compatible with and save your document in that format, then open it in the new program.
I am always in favor of saving money. I understand that many people need all the specialized text formatting features that Microsoft and Corel offer, but for most of us, these alternative programs are plenty powerful and easy to use.
Whatever you decide, it is wise to print out a hard copy of your work and be sure to always back up anything on your computer that is important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 32 years, 23 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.