I am always amazed when my clients and customers do not realize that there is other office software and that it is free. But then I remember how Microsoft works. Put it in all computers so that new users only know about it. Then down the line, eliminate it as part of the new computer experience and sell it to them at a medium price. Then down the line, sell it to them as a monthly fee when they think they must have it.
I would like to let you know about other options you may not be aware of. The first two are highly recommended.
Libre Office is open source software and the successor to Open Office (see next item). This software is comprised of six programs (Writer - word processing, Impress - presentations, Calc - spreadsheets, Draw - diagrams, Base - Database, Math - Formula Editor & Charts). The Libre software is kept up to date, and as long as you keep it updated it should run very smoothly. It is important to do the updates when they become available. Available for MAC or PC.
Apache OpenOffice is also open source office software and the first software to go up against the big guys. It has all the components of Libre Office (minus charts) - but it has not had a major software change since 2014. It does occasionally have updates for security but other than that it is about the same as it has been. Available for MAC or PC
Softmaker FreeOffice has been around since 1987. They are a German software development company. The software has word processing (TextMaker), spreadsheets (PlanMaker), presentation graphics (Softmaker Presentations) and database software (DataMaker). Available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Google Android.
Google Drive provides its users with word processing (Docs), spreadsheets (Sheets), presentations (Slides) and something the others do not - Forms. In your Google account click on the box of dots and from the menu icons choose the program you would like to access or follow this link.
WPS Office is another solution. Documents, Spreadsheets, Presentations and PDF. And the tabs work like your browser tabs which can be handy to multitaskers. And as far as the PDF features, you can comment, convert, compress, sign and so much more (and they never try to sneak in pups with the updates). Available for Mac, PC, Android, iOS, and Linux.
No matter what your choice is, I can confirm that they are all interchangeable with minor differences. I have used all of the above. My preference for desktop software is Libre because they keep it updated and fresh and for web based, Google Drive.
If you have any questions about the programs listed above and cannot locate the answers, please send me an email and I will do my best to help you out.
Until the next time you hear from me, be safe.
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