Thread: Word Processing

So I don't know what's going on, but there's something strange with my Microsoft Office and looks like I won't be able to use it in a few days. I was just wondering what Word Processing software you guys use? Or maybe you don't like word processing at all and you're a firm advocate of pencil and paper? Regardless, I'd like to know which software you prefer to use when writing. If you prefer the traditional way, I'd like to hear your input as well!

Take a look at Textpad.

I don't think I should get in trouble here, I apologize if I do! A good piece of software I use is 100% free, and its called "Openoffice.org." Or at least I think that's the name of the software. I don't know, just search for it on Google. Another good companion (if you have a Smartphone) is the dictionary.com app. I am constantly arguing with both Office and the free software. Dictionary.com knows all!!!!

I have open office too, but it's not that great, in fact, the spell checker is atrocious. I only use it now if I want to copy and paste something from online into microsoft works word processor (it crashes if I copy and paste from online.) I don't have the full microsoft word because the code on the laptop didn't work and I never really bothered to get it corrected.
I use Microsoft word 2003 on my work computer. There was a programme I found that was interesting, though I cannot recall the name, basically it was a black screen with green text. It was interesting to use but really, at the end of the day the most important thing is that you can write and save your thoughts.

I prefer typing because I am faster at it, it has a spell checker and my hand gets sore really quickly when I write, always has.

"...but there's something strange with my Microsoft Office and looks like I won't be able to use it in a few days..."

This is a question which needs answering. Why would Office be unusable in a few days, I have had it on my desktop for 6 years and it doesn't look as if it is going to stop working any time soon. Is this a 30 day trial version that came with a new computer?

OpenOffice works as well as you can expect for a free program, in fact far better. If you wish to use it for WP only, when you download it, make sure you don't install all the other bells and whistles like Draw, the database etc. AbiWord is an alternative, but the onscreen presentation is a bit rough, as if it is seen on a lo-res monitor. Mellel is only for Apples, so that is ruled out. You can write a book in WordPad, it has most of what you need...

I use Open Office, but you might consider Libre Office, an off-shoot of OO. I take any spellchecker with a grain of salt and add stuff to it as I have need.

I used to use word perfect, which had the most incredible grammar checker, but I eventually switched to word. Word perfect isn't cheap, and for me word is something I have available through my work. If you don't mind needing an internet connection, skydrive lets you use the online version of word if you create a document on the site. That's free.

I have tried open office, but never really cared for it.

Honestly you can use any text editor, like notepad, to write. The main difference is what bells and whistles you like, and what your budget is.

I use Pages, which is the Mac equivalent of Word for Microsoft Office. It's pretty versatile and lets you move large pieces of text around without messing up the layout of your work. You can also choose to save documents in Word format if you need to work on a different computer.

As well as my first novel, I'm writing a novella purely by hand (except when I finally need to transfer the end product into a neat, permanent form). That way I can work on my novel at home and my novella when I'm out and about.

ying... Pages for a Mac must be a thousand times better than the one for iPad. I bought it and hated it. It's the biggest app purchase I regret.

Originally Posted by Offeiriad

ying... Pages for a Mac must be a thousand times better than the one for iPad. I bought it and hated it. It's the biggest app purchase I regret.

I haven't tried the app for iPad, but I think these things must be a personal like or dislike. My partner doesn't really get on with Pages and uses Word instead.

Thanks for the replies! I'm going to take a look at all of the suggestions.

@Bloggsworth - My friend installed a *gulp* free Microsoft Office for me and it worked for all four years of undergrad, but now it has somehow reverted back to the trial version. I don't feel like trying to do that again nor do I want to pay for the program.

@ProcrastinationStation - I think the program you're referring to is called DarkRoom. It's a very simple program that fills your screen with a black background and you just type away with green font, although I've changed the background colour and the font to something a little more attractive. I like to use that quite often actually and might just stick with it.

thats the one! Couldn't think of the name. I have it floating around on my computer somewhere, just dunno which computer. I only used it once or twice but it seemed good.