Creating word documents, presentations, and spreadsheets is no longer a Microsoft monarchy. Microsoft Office has become just one software choice in a software category where less expensive and free word processing programs are gaining share. Here are the best three alternatives to Microsoft Office to save you money and create documents without breaking your document dollars.
Google Docs
Google Docs is perhaps the most appealing rival to Microsoft Office. Google allows members to create free accounts and view, edit, and transfer documents anywhere in the world for free. Users of Microsoft Word will feel familiar with the toolbar and text field immediately. The interface is light and loads quickly. Formatting options and table properties also feel very similar to Office. There are programs for slide slow presentations, spreadsheets, forms, and drawings. It is easy to export to any popular document format or attach as an email and send documents with ease. The multiple programs and mobile nature of Google Docs make this service the best alternative to Microsoft Office online. Compatibility with documents created in Office make Google Docs a seamless transition for quick edits or thorough document creation. Video assistance and thorough help manuals provide support for your adaptation to Google Docs.
OpenOffice
Another free document creation program with many loyal users is OpenOffice at OpenOffice.org. Word and Excel functions are brought to users through the respective Writer and Calc. Powerpoint and Drawing software is also included and helpful user guides and frequently asked questions are available on their website. OpenOffice combines subtle improvements to formatting with familiar elements to make a transition easy for Writer. An international open standard of coding allows users to also submit revisions to the source code of the program which benefits the community as a whole as the program continually revises and improves itself. Impress and Base are two additional programs of OpenOffice, that are also installed with the software bundle. Impress allows presentations to be made in 2D and 3D, as well as animation and multimedia to spruce up your slide shows.
OxygenOffice Professional
A third free alternative to save money and retain a sense of functionality is OxygenOffice Professional. There are extra functions including graphics and accessories of this program make it one of the best Office alternatives including free anti-virus support and hundreds of clip art selections to spruce up your documents and produce a quality final draft. Templates are provided after installation which allows quick building for presentations and documents with an aesthetic appeal ready to go. Samples and fonts are provided within the program as well to provide the same variety given by Microsoft Office plus a few user submitted developments to improve document design. Productivity is prioritized by ergonomically positioned menus and toolbars for ease of access and quick edits during document creation.
Microsoft Works
Finally, for those that feel that a premium must be paid for quality programs, there are still many users who feel $39.99 MSRP is well spent on Microsoft Works to avoid the full cost of Microsoft office. Still it should be said that in 2010 there are enough free and open source alternatives of high quality comparison to Microsoft Office that any finance concerned individual should try out before handing over sticker price for home and business document production.
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