Don't Have Microsoft Word on Your Computer?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses alternatives to Microsoft Word for users who do not have access to the software, particularly focusing on free options like Open Office and experiences related to obtaining Microsoft Office.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions Open Office as a free alternative that can open Microsoft Office files, noting some formatting issues may arise.
  • Another participant shares their experience of having to pay extra for Microsoft Word when purchasing a laptop, contradicting the belief that it comes included with Windows.
  • Several users express frustration over the high cost of Microsoft Office, with one participant highlighting a military program that offers it for free, just requiring shipping costs.
  • One participant discusses the limitations of Wordpad as an alternative, indicating it may not handle formatting well.
  • Another participant shares their experience with Open Office, stating they find it satisfactory except for the Draw feature.
  • One participant notes that after a trial version of Office expires, users can only view files, not modify them.
  • Another participant expresses hope about downloading Open Office after using the trial version of Office.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the availability and cost of Microsoft Word, with some participants believing it should come with Windows while others clarify that it often does not. There is no clear consensus on the best alternative to Microsoft Word.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences regarding software access and costs, reflecting a range of situations and solutions related to using word processing software.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for alternatives to Microsoft Word or those interested in understanding the costs associated with obtaining word processing software may find this discussion relevant.

jenniferp417
jenniferp417
Messages
981
I know there are some of you here who don't have Word and can't afford to go buy it... and there are SO MANY files here that are in Word format...

Go to http://www.openoffice.org/ and click on the green box to download "Open Office." It's 100% free, and will open nearly every Micrsoft Office file out there.

Sometimes the formatting isn't quite the same, but that can easily be tweaked.

But free is good! :)
 
jenniferp417 said:
I know there are some of you here who don't have Word and can't afford to go buy it... and there are SO MANY files here that are in Word format...

Go to http://www.openoffice.org/ and click on the green box to download "Open Office." It's 100% free, and will open nearly every Micrsoft Office file out there.

Sometimes the formatting isn't quite the same, but that can easily be tweaked.

But free is good! :)
Click to expand...

I'm not really the GEEK in our house, my DH is & he says that everyone that has windows should have word, because it comes with it.
 
Ginger428 said:
I'm not really the GEEK in our house, my DH is & he says that everyone that has windows should have word, because it comes with it.
Click to expand...
No actually when I got my laptop we had to Pay extra to have word. MicroSoft suite doesn't or didn't always come included:(
 
CAmomCookin4U said:
No actually when I got my laptop we had to Pay extra to have word. MicroSoft suite doesn't or didn't always come included:(
Click to expand...

WOW...That sux.....:(
 
Ginger428 said:
WOW...That sux.....:(
Click to expand...
Well for my parents (Yes). That bought it as a surprise gift for me because I had gone back to school for my Teacher's Credential and they new I used MS Word a ton. Just getting the laptop was a blessing. I would have paid to add it myself.:)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Ginger428 said:
I'm not really the GEEK in our house, my DH is & he says that everyone that has windows should have word, because it comes with it.
Click to expand...
Sometimes when you buy a computer with Windows, you've paid extra and Word is part of the package... but I can tell you with 100% certainty that Word does *NOT* come with Windows. I wish it did, but it does not.Microsoft sells them separately, and at exorbitant prices, because they can.(I can say with certainty because I sold computers and software for seven years).
 
Last edited:
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Unless, Ginger, your DH means "Wordpad" which is a notepad program that will open word files but has EXTREMELY limited features and usually removes/mangles the formatting of the sorts of files we usually use here.
 
jenniferp417 said:
Unless, Ginger, your DH means "Wordpad" which is a notepad program that will open word files but has EXTREMELY limited features and usually removes/mangles the formatting of the sorts of files we usually use here.
Click to expand...

You're right ....:rolleyes: ;)
 
You can also download a free trial of Office 2007. I think it's a 90 day trial, when it expires you can no longer modify files but you can still open and view them.
 
My husband just reloaded our computer and put open office on here. The only thing that I don't like about it, is Open Office Draw. :) Word and everything is fine.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Yeah, I never use OO Draw either.
 
So can you open and modify a file, or just open to view?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
mom2leelee said:
So can you open and modify a file, or just open to view?
Click to expand...

With the trial version of Office? After it's expired, the most you'll be able to do is view - no modifications.
 
We got the trial version with our computer and it just expired...any military people out there should be able to get Microsoft Office(with word) sent to you for FREE just pay shipping (for us that was $19.99) but considering to buy it ourselves it was way over $200! I believe the military worked out some deal with microsoft. I'm sorry I'm not much help as far as who to contact. maybe a recruitment office or PX or something like that.
 
jenniferp417 said:
With the trial version of Office? After it's expired, the most you'll be able to do is view - no modifications.
Click to expand...


No I was referring to the program you mentioned.
 
Thanks for that tip! Someone in my DL has Wordperfect and can't open anything I send her!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #17
Katie,You can open, modify, create... basically you can do anything in Open Office that you can do in Microsoft Office... it just doesn't cost you anything. :)
 
SWEET! I hope I can download it since I have already did the office trial thing!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I don't have Microsoft Word installed on my computer?

If you don't have Microsoft Word, you can use alternative word processing software such as Google Docs, LibreOffice, or OpenOffice. These programs offer similar functionalities and allow you to create, edit, and save documents in various formats.

Can I open Word documents without Microsoft Word?

Yes, you can open Word documents using other applications like Google Docs, LibreOffice, or even online converters that can change the file format to something compatible with your software. Some online services also allow you to view Word documents directly in your web browser.

Are there any free online alternatives to Microsoft Word?

Yes, there are several free online alternatives to Microsoft Word, including Google Docs, Zoho Writer, and Microsoft Office Online. These platforms allow you to create and edit documents for free, as long as you have an internet connection.

How can I create a Word document without Microsoft Word?

You can create a Word document using free alternatives like Google Docs or LibreOffice Writer. Simply sign up for a Google account to access Google Docs, or download LibreOffice for a desktop solution. Both options allow you to create and save documents in Word format.

Is there a way to convert a document to Word format without Microsoft Word?

Yes, you can use online conversion tools such as Zamzar or CloudConvert to convert documents to Word format. Additionally, many word processors like Google Docs and LibreOffice allow you to save or export files directly in .doc or .docx format.

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