Free Office Software: Recommendations Anyone?

[mawnansmiff]

I am looking to install a free office software package on my Windows 10 (64 bit) laptop. I'm tired of paying a fortune for the Microsoft effort that I barely used (and cannot transfer) so I'm now looking for a freebie.

I basically only need the 'word' component but anything else that comes with it would be a bonus. I once tried WPS Office (a Chinese effort) but it was so riddled with adverts (and I hear spyware) it drove me nuts so got deleted....after very much effort!

I have read good things about Libre Office but never tried it.

So guys, what if anything would you recommend? Something advert free and not Chinese or Russian would be just the ticket.

Regards,

Jay.

 

[jaytex1969]

My wife uses the Libre Office and is satisfied. I use OpenOffice but, admittedly use few of its features.

Go to CNET and read reviews. Their download.com has lots of software options in all categories with lots of customer and in house reviews.

Free Software Downloads and Reviews for Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS – CNET Download - https://download.cnet.com/


#2

 

[dmcmtk]

I use Open Office.

Apache OpenOffice - Official Site - The Free and Open Productivity Suite - http://www.openoffice.org/

 

[Toast]

This is the one I'm not prepared to comprise on. I also pretty much only use Word outside work & I tried a few of the free offerings (years back, so I can't remember which). They all did the job, but none were anywhere near as slick & user friendly as Microsoft.

I think it's worth the price for the lack of constant tiny irritations. The others are like shirts that are just a bit too small. They're not uncomfortable as such & they keep you warm, but Word is just right.

 

[greeneyes]

If you have a relative at university then Microsoft office is free. In fact all you need is a university email at most universities.

 

[ofafeather]

I use Google suite which is completely online and connected with Google Drive. It works great and is my go-to even though I have MS Office 365. It has the big 3 - word processor (Docs). Spreadsheet (Sheets) and presentation (Slides) and can export into all of the MS formats. My one gripe is that their iOS apps don’t have every feature available on the PC platforms but I work around that as needed. I think there is ability to work offline with it but haven’t tried. It also makes document sharing and collaborating really easy.

 

[mawnansmiff]

"Go to CNET and read reviews"

Jay, I just finished reading that very site plus a couple of others, It looks like LibreOffice just might be the one.

Dave, I have Open Office on my desktop which is
OK but a tad slow.

Greeneyes, when I was studying at the Open University I was allowed to buy the whole MS Suite (worth over £300) for a mere £38. Alas I can no longer use it :-(

I should point out I don't need to use the software anywhere near as much as in the past.

Cheers guys.

Regards,

Jay.

 

[paulfg]

I use libre and have found no problems with

 

[ofafeather]

The other thing I’ll add about Google is the ability to easily work across multiple devices. Plus everything is auto-saved. You never have to think of it and can also go back in the history to check out older versions of documents without worrying about which is the most current version.

 

[chilipalmer]

I have read good things about Libre Office but never tried it.

Hello Jay!

LibreOffice is great. I use it every day and would say that it is by far the most complete substitute for Micro$oft Office. The bonus round is that LibreOffice will read and write Micro$oft office file formats. Give it a whirl. I think you will be pleased.

By the way, how goes the bourbon exploration effort?

Cheers,

Chili

 

[fireground_piper]

+1 for LibreOffice. I use it on my personal computer vs MS on the corporate.

 

[greeneyes]

Call me paranoid but the Google/Chromebook/Cloud universe doesn't have me convinced just yet, from a safety and security perspective. I have multiple redundant local backups of my data. Of course my (work) situation is unique, but if I were to lose anything it would represent a major problem.

 

[elpfeife]

Another vote for Libre. My computer guy put it on my new computer when I closed my office and retired. Libre has handled my old MS files without problem. All I ever use now is the word processor, but I didn't use half the stuff that Office added over the years.

 

[LOREN]

My daughter uses Google Suite and likes it. Her and her husband don’t want anything tied to one machine. They’re both scientists so I assume they think it’s secure.

 

[username]

Came here to post that I use libre office but it’s already been posted.

Home | LibreOffice - Free and private office suite - Based on OpenOffice - Compatible with Microsoft

Free office suite – the evolution of OpenOffice. Compatible with Microsoft .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx. Updated regularly, community powered.

www.libreoffice.org

 

[F4RM3R]

+1 for google docs. Easy to use, fully functional, auto save and available everywhere you go.

 

[judcole]

Been using Open Office for years.

 

[mawnansmiff]

Well guys, many thanks for your suggestions & tips. Last night I downloaded LibreOffice and tested some old MS files and they showed up perfectly so clearly the right choice

I did read yesterday that the British government ditched MS Office some years ago for LibreOffice just to save money!

"By the way, how goes the bourbon exploration effort?"

Chili, my bourbon journey is still ongoing, my plan is to do a complete write up on the 41(or is it 43?) different bourbon/rye whiskies all on one post....one day ;-)

Regards,

Jay.