WORDPROCESSING
If you are using a computer, it is most likely that you are also using a wordprocessor, i.e. a program where you can produce text documents such as letters.
Wordprocessors developed from the old typewriters many years ago.
Some years ago, the most widespread programs were Ami Pro and Wordperfect. The latter was particularly popular under the operating system DOS.
Then Microsoft introduced Windows 95, and they started to market Word more energetically with Windows. Word became dominating. Many businesses and personal users use Word, and they think this is the only, or the best option.
However, there are many alternatives. Some depend on certain operating systems - so for example, you must run either Windows or a Unix system, or Mac. Others are available in all or most versions. In most cases, wordprocessors are included in "office suites" which also include spreadsheets and other facilities.
Word (included in the Microsoft Office suite) is the most widespread
It is very expensive. Some people love to hate Word. Recently, many businesses have decided to investigate alternatives, because Microsoft have introduced new ways of charging for the program, making it much more expensive, as well as obliging users to stick with it. You can get Word for Windows and Mac.
LibreOffice
LibreOffice came from OpenOffice. (The latter is still developed, but now at a
slower speed.) LibreOffice is a fully fledged office suite, and it is free as
well as open source. Unlike the cheaper versions of Microsoft Office, it even
has a database.
Wordperfect
Wordperfect now comes from Corel. Many still swear by it, and it has many advantages over the alternatives. The interface is very intuitive, and you can get the program with other applications in a "suite". The most recent versions are for Windows, though you can get older versions for other systems too, mainly version 5.1 for DOS, and versions 8 and 9 for Linux.
Abiword
Abiword is an excellent wordprocessor available for most operating systems. It
does lack some of the most sophisticated features (which most of us never use),
but it is fast and "lean". Abiword is free.
Kingsoft Office (WPS)
This suite comes from China. It provides yet another flavour, and is worth
trying out.
ONLINE WORDPROCESSORS
In recent years it has also become possible to work on documents online.
This is easier because most people have broadband, so downloading and installing
all the software can be avoided. You'll need a browser, usually either a Mozilla
browser or Internet Explorer.
For this aproach, try GoogleDocs.
ThinkFree is an attempt
to run an entire office suite via a browser - or at any rate, a wordprocessor,
a spreadsheet and a presentation program.
These wordprocessors are currently free to use, though registration is required.
There are other excellent options such as 602,
Ability Office and Textmaker
