Open Office Suite: Switching from Microsoft Word Explained

Microsoft Word is one of the most popular and most recognized word processing programs in the world, with millions of copies sold worldwide as a part of the Microsoft Office suite. While the program is occasionally bundled in new computers, the software itself isn’t free. Limited time trial offers do exist, but those wanting to use the software have to purchase the entire suite to unlock all of its features. Home users can expect to pay over $100 for the most basic home and office versions. For users that want the full suite with deluxe features, it can cost anywhere from over $100 to up to $450 to purchase the software suite. That’s a tidy sum most people don’t want to spend in this economic climate.

Plenty of sites offer a free Microsoft Word download, but chances are those sites are offering pirated versions of the word processing software. These versions usually lack the legal copy’s full functionality and you’re taking a big risk by using pirated software. Instead of relying on pirated copies of the Word program, try the legal and free Open Office Writer. Developed and distributed by Oracle, Open Office Writer comes as a part of the Open Office suite, a full line of productivity software programs that serve as viable alternatives to the Microsoft Office suite. These programs are completely free to download and offer nearly all of the features and advantages as the Microsoft Office suite. If you’re looking for free and simple way of getting your word processing tasks done, Open Office Writer may be the software for you.

 Top 5 Reasons for Switching to Open Office Writer

There are plenty of reasons to choose Open Office Writer if you’re looking for a new word processor program and even more reasons to switch if you’re currently using Microsoft Word. Here are five good reasons why you should:

1. Free to Download

Open Office Writer is completely free software. That means you won’t have to pay a red cent for downloading and using this software. In addition, you’ll get the entire Open Office software suit free of charge. In contrast, you’ll have to spend over $100 just to get the basic version of the Microsoft Office software suite, which features fewer additional productivity software programs. You won’t be able to find an MS Word download either, since legal downloadable copies don’t exist. When you attempt to download Microsoft Word, you’ll end up with a pirated copy featuring very limited functionality.

2. Compatibility with Microsoft Word .doc & .docx Files

Most people are reluctant to switch from Microsoft Word to Open Office Writer for compatibility reasons. Rest assured that Open Office Writer and other programs within the Open Office suite support a number of proprietary file formats. In addition to having its own “ODF” file format, Open Office Writer can open, edit and save files in most Microsoft Word and rich text formats. That means you can safely open and edit “DOC” files from Word, as well as save files in Word formats for others using the software to open and edit on their own computers.

3. Ease of Use

Many home and office users have expressed their dislike of the ribbon-style user interface on Word and other Microsoft Office 2010 products. For those looking for a simple and easy to understand user controls should look at Open Office Writer. The Open Office Writer program offers a simple control layout that is similar to older versions of Microsoft Word, giving those users a familiar environment to work with. New users of Open Office Writer will appreciate the intuitive interface as well as the simplified help section that guides new users through the controls. With a low learning curve, new users will learn the ropes just as quickly as those who’ve switched from Word.

Unlike Word, Open Office Writer works as a part of the Open Office suite. The freeware programs in Open Office are integrated with one another, making it much easier to switch between programs on the fly. This integration makes the installation process shorter and error-free. Open Office Writer shares its user interface with other programs in the suite, allowing those proficient in Writer to learn how to control the other programs quickly and effectively. Familiarity is a plus when it comes to using word processing programs in an effective manner.

4. Use on Multiple Computers

Word features limits for the number of users and computers that can use a single copy of the program. In most cases, you’ll have to purchase additional licenses if you want to install the software suite on multiple workstations. With Open Office Writer, you won’t have any of those limitations, as you can install the entire Open Office suite onto as many computers as you want. Small business owners can save a bundle of money while retaining compatibility with Microsoft Office programs, and home users can safely install multiple copies of the word processing software without having to uninstall their existing program or deactivate their current license.

Open Office Writer runs on most modern operating systems, so it doesn’t matter what kind of computer you’re using. Not only does the Open Office suite run on all Windows operating systems, but also versions of the suite are also available for Mac OS X and most distributions of the Linux operating platform. In contrast, Word and the Microsoft Office suite are limited to Windows, with a separate version available for Mac OS X. If you value flexibility and interoperability, it pays to switch to Open Office Writer and the Open Office suite.

5. Additional Family of Programs Included

The Open Office suite serves as an alternative to the Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint programs found in the Microsoft Office suite. When you download Open Office, not only will you get the Open Office Writer, but you will also receive the Calc spreadsheet program, the Impress multimedia editing software, Base database management software and Draw graphics program. You’ll have all the software you need to handle nearly all of your home and office productivity needs. Available plug-ins and extras such as clipart, templates and an available “ePub” e-book document generator add extra functionality to Open Office Writer.

Just because Open Office Writer is free of charge doesn’t mean it’s inferior to Word. Open Office has twenty years worth of continuing development behind it, making the software ideal for those who need a word processing program that is reliable and ready to go to work immediately. Every six months, users can upgrade to new versions featuring added features and improvements to speed, reliability and usability. Unlike Word, users won’t have to go for months and even years on end without an update that offers improvements while addressing key software issues.

There’s no such thing as a Microsoft Word free download, but there are free alternatives like Open Office Writer. With this suite, you won’t have to waste your time with other alternatives that fall short on features and usability, and you can save the money you would have spent purchasing the full Microsoft Office suite.