Unless you’re one of those people who insist on shunning all forms of technology, which in this day and age is pretty impressive, you would have heard of Microsoft Office. Microsoft is the Godfather of software applications, and for a long time, because there wasn’t anything similar available to end-users, they held a complete monopoly in the market. Now times have changed.
Developer boffins the world over have worked long and hard to come up with alternatives to the Microsoft Office suite, not just because they enjoy fiddling with code all day, but to provide a software package that offers just the same as Office at a much more affordable price. And while they may not have all the advanced features of MS Office, which most people rarely use, they do offer user-friendly interfaces and include compatibility and support for MS Office file formats – all that you need, really. Here are 5 of the most formidable challengers on the market, and they’re all free, free, FREE!
1. Open Office
This is one of the leading open-source (free for all to use) office suites available on the market and is particularly popular with small to medium businesses. It includes a number of applications, the main ones being: Writer for word processing, Calc for spreadsheets, Impress for multimedia presentations, Draw for graphics and Base for databases; and can read and write files from other common office packages. Open Office can be used via multiple platforms, including, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Solaris and OS/2, and is available in many different languages.
2. Google Docs
Google are always quick in the game; it doesn’t take them long to see a niche in the market and get in there. Their free Google Docs applications allow users to create and share documents online, a practice that is becoming more and more popular, especially with those who work remotely. Whether you want to create word processing documents, spreadsheets or presentations, Google Docs has it all, and allows you to interact with colleagues/friends in real-time, online. To get going with Google Docs, all you need is a standard browser and internet connection. And, unlike many other software packages, once you’re done you can either save your files to your own computer or online, saving you valuable disc space.
3. NeoOffice
Designed to meet the unique needs of Mac users, NeoOffice is another open source software package offering the standard suite of office applications, including a word processor, spreadsheet application and presentation program. In addition to that, NeoOffice has drawing and database programs. It’s thought to be quite similar to OpenOffice in its handling, and possesses many of the features MS Office users will be familiar with. It also works freely with other popular office programs, being able to import, edit and exchange files.
4. ThinkFree Office Online
Similar to Google Docs, ThinkFree Office is an online package, consisting of ThinkFree Write – a word processor, ThinkFree Calc – a spreadsheet application and ThinkFree Show – a presentation program. Designed to look like MS Office, it is able to read and write MS Office files and runs in a web browser using a mix of Java applet and Ajax technologies. Like Google Docs, ThinkFree Office provides secure online storage.
5. Zoho Office Suite
Yet another web-based freebie, Zoho offers a few extra applications with their online package, in comparison to their competitors. As well as the usual word processing, spreadsheet and presentation tools, the Zoho Office Suite comes with a planner, online project management application and its own mail system. Like the others, files can be saved to computer or online, but with Zoho you have the added benefit of being able to save onto several integrations partners like Omnidrive or box.net, allowing synchronization back to the local PC. There are also plug-ins available for Microsoft Word and Excel and a mobile version for the iPhone.
Share your thoughts? Do you ever use MS Office alternatives? Leave your comments below.
Linda is a writer and editor, currently based in London, though she’s about to give up life in the Big Smoke for a life Down Under, and more sunshine. She’s constantly conjuring new and inventive ways of keeping her finances in check so she can afford all the travelling between hemispheres, although she’s definitely much better at the travelling than the financial side of things. Read more posts by
Hi Linda,
You mention Google Docs, however for SMBs Google Apps Standard edition gives so much more also for free (well ad supported) not just Google Doc’s which it includes but also Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Sites.
Tim @ TJP Solutions
OpenOffice is a good one I use regularly.