Whenever I need new software, I always like to try to find something open source and free. If it does the job, then that's great.
It's not that I don't want to pay for software (although I do get frustrated every time I have to get the latest "upgrade" for $100). Mainly, it's because I work with a lot of volunteers in an organization where the work gets spread out among many people.
If we all want to be able to work on a document together, then we all need the same software. It's just so much easier if it's free to say, "Hey, go download so-and-so for free, and take a look at this document."
So, for over 5 years now, I've used OpenOffice instead of Microsoft Office. I have saved hundreds of dollars, and I'm able to do everything I need to get my job done.
Check out OpenOffice here ...
I use this piece of software by far more than any other. I write all documents, do all my spreadsheets, prepare slide presentations, and create databases.
Since most other people out there use Microsoft Office, then it's important to be able to read their documents and to be able to produce documents that they can read. This is no problem with OpenOffice. In fact, I usually save all my files in the standard Microsoft formats. That way, if I ever need to email one to a friend, they're already in the correct format.
I love OpenOffice, and I hope you'll give it a shot... especially if you work with volunteers or in a non-profit where resources are limited and many people may be involved in sharing and working on documents.
