Free business software alternatives to Microsoft office
By Paul Wilson
The cost of using paid for?business software has become prohibitive. Both businesses and home users are focusing on new and affordable avenues.
The options include free software:
StarOffice: The code base can be accessed at OpenOffice.org. This is the group coordinating the development of the product. OpenOffice .org runs on Windows, Linux, Solaris as well as Mac.
Version 5.2: enhances browser compatibility and has the latest security and performance related enhancements.
602ProPC suite: Free after registration it is MS office compatible.
EasyOffice Freeware: For personal use, it has ten applications; a text speech program and Adobe PDF file creation.
GNOME Office: A part of the free GNOME Desktop for UNIX, many of the applications are stable to use but in development.
K Office: Runs on UNIX, Linux, and FreeBSD, the office suite has eight important applications.
OpenOffice.org 1.0: Based on StarOffice 5.2, this is a complete system offering word processor, spreadsheet, drawing program, presentation program, and equation writing. Compatible with Windows, Linux, and Solaris.
RagTime Solo: Designed for desktop publishing, built in functions include: word processing, spreadsheet, and graphics. This is free for personal use.
SOT Office 2002: Runs on Windows and Linux and has, a word processor, spreadsheet, a drawing program and a presentation program.
These are just a few examples from the many options available. Most of the above are high quality and glitch free. There are no initial costs or upgrading pressures. Most work efficiently on older computers which means, one can exit the cycle of constant forced upgrades.
Free software offers a freedom for the user to run, copy, understand, as well as modify the software. There are no restrictions, the program can be adapted to suit specific needs, and, it can be distributed along with the adaptations/improvements. The term free denotes access to the source code and not just to costs.
The advantages are:
Cuts down capital outlay.
Is constantly evolving as users provide valuable inputs and feedback.
One can make modifications. Go beyond the interface and understand the workings. Plenty of user group support is available.
Access to the source code increases user options. Permits unrestricted use of software, permits free sharing, as well as individual modifications.
No obligations to the company. Freedom from dependencies on multinational companies who create a monopoly.
Little or no maintenance and upgrade problems. Extends the lifespan of older hardware.
Many are fast, hardy, as well as reliable. This can be credited to the open system of development, implementation, and testing.
However, one must find out if there are any disadvantages to the free software selected for use.
Consider:
Is the software established?
Are updates, patches, and new features freely available?
What about support?
How widely is the software in use?
Is documentation understandable and complete?
Are there any maintenance costs?
Is there a forum that helps in case of problems?
Make a detailed study of your needs, then study all the options in operation, if a related business is using a particular system find out their experience and why they chose the system. Knowledge is power and a reliable guide.
Paul Wilson is the content manager for www.1888pressrelease.com, the premier website to Submit Free Press Release for any announcements including launching of new product or services, new website, announcing new hires, sponsoring a special event or seminar and more. He also manages content for www.1888Discuss.com.
Free Article Distribution Service provided by: www.articleprobe.com
Partners with: www.articles-submit.com Article Submission
Hot Topics In Software
Why CRM Projects Fail
1 OverviewThis articles looks at some of the human? i.e. people-related factors that can cause a CRM project to fail. We then look at why, for those businesses already utilising Microsoft Outlook f...
Why Easy To Use Software Is Putting You At Risk
Title-----
Why Easy To Use Software Is Putting You At Risk
Can Easy To Use Software Also Be Secure
----------------------------
Anyone who has been working with computers for a long tim...
Spyware Remover A Cautious Review
A spyware remover program that came across my desk just the other day. No Adware is anti-malware software that professes to have a solution that will:?Perform a web bug scan... A web bug scan will ...
Free business software alternatives to Microsoft office
By Paul WilsonThe cost of using paid for?business software has become prohibitive. Both businesses and home users are focusing on new and affordable avenues.
The options include free software:
Antivirus Trial Software
In the days gone by the phrase antivirus probably signified some new drug or hope for the human race. But of late, each time you mention the phrase antivirus, you will only catch the attention of comp...An Introduction To Microsoft Vista Business
As I'm sure you already know, Microsoft Vista is on the way! Microsoft projects that all five versions of Vista will be available by mid-2006, and if that holds this will be the longest time period ev...Adware Removal Tips
Have you tried (and failed) to remove those annoying pop-ups known as adware? There may be reason. You can manually remove adware components one by one, but there is a good chance you would miss some ...Spyware Free Acceleration Tool
Helping users have quicker internet surfing speed, Straight2You released at the beginning of 2004 a web surfing acceleration tool. The tool was designed not to give users false promises but to provide...How to Improve Productivity and Automate Everyday Computer Tasks with Windows Automation Software.
There was a time when one of the main purposes of a PC was simply to save you time. The theory was that a computer could do what you do, but do it quicker and more efficiently. We've all seen the SciF...Why Those Free Software Downloads May Not Exactly Be Free
When using the Internet be very cautious of free downloadable software, such as sites that offer you free downloadable cursors, tool bars, and smiley faces as well as many other appealing things. If y...Erasing index.dat files
1. What are index .dat files?
When you visit a webpage, the content (html files, pictures, flash, java scripts and other) is downloaded and saved to your computer. This is called the cache or Tempo...Innovative Software Tools for Process Development and Management
Reliable, state-of-the-art software tools are vital for businesses that wish to achieve and maintain a leading position on the market. In order to boost their overall productivity and efficiency, incr...
Most Recent Software Supplements
- Can Spyware Really Put Your Personal Information at Risk?
- Simple Tips to Clear Spyware off your Computer
- Finding and Fighting Spyware
- Why CRM Projects Fail
- What Should Good DVD Copying Software Include?
- Spyware Scam Man
- Microsoft OneCare Review
- Why Easy To Use Software Is Putting You At Risk
- PSP - Beware Of This Deadly Virus
- Two companies merge to provide higher security against spyware threats.
- Can Spyware Really Put Your Personal Information at Risk?
- Trade Show Planning - The BDA 10 - "After the Show"
- The Story Behind Escrow Software
- Believe The Dream - What Is All The Hype Surrounding Real Estate Investing Really About?
- New Ways To Fight Spyware, Spam
- The Spread of Spyware Nuker through the internet.
- Is VOIP Stable Enough for Everyday Use
- AdSense Gold Receives Highest Rating
- How To Keep Your PC Secure And Spyware Virus Free
- Investigate Anyone Online Instantly
Newly Popular Computers Articles
Choosing a Laptop Computer Based on Hardware and Software Needs
Laptop computers are one of the most desirable techie gadgets. A laptop is a portable computer that could comfortably be used while on a person's lap - hence the name. It contains all the basic and ne...How To Properly Install A New Video Card
Your video card is one of those components in your computer you want to both learn as much about it as possible and to learn how to remove the old one and install a new card quickly.Playing those awes...Why CRM Projects Fail
1 OverviewThis articles looks at some of the human? i.e. people-related factors that can cause a CRM project to fail. We then look at why, for those businesses already utilising Microsoft Outlook f...
Three Things All Affiliate Marketers Need To Survive On The Internet
When it comes to being an affiliate marketer, every single one of them are searching for the highest paying market. Occasionally, they tend to think there is some formula available that is pure magic ...Why Easy To Use Software Is Putting You At Risk
Title-----
Why Easy To Use Software Is Putting You At Risk
Can Easy To Use Software Also Be Secure
----------------------------
Anyone who has been working with computers for a long tim...
How to Use Computer Data Recovery Software
Often our computer files are messed up because our computers will write our files when we are done using them wherever there is available space. This is why it is important to use computer data recove...The Solution To Finding Your Lost Files - Data Recovery Companies
When the worst happens to your computer and all your files disappear, never worry! There are a number of quality data recovery companies that are able to restore your critical files quickly and easily...How To Make Money In Computer Repair
Every home seems to have a computer or computer-related product these days, so the idea that you can make money as a computer repair technician isn't so far-fetched. Computer repair is a necessary ser...Finding Your Niche To Get Started In Affiliate Marketing
Getting started in affiliate marketing is really quite easy, but too often, many people mistakenly think it's a lot easier than it actually is. In most cases, the only thing you need to do to join an ...Office Help is Just a Click Away
"The Internet has revolutionized many business sectors and has single-handedly created one - virtual assistance." ("More firms use virtual assistance" by Nick Eason, CNN.com)For many years busine...
