Ten Alternatives To Microsoft Word for Online College Students

If you’re pursuing a degree at an online university, college, or trade school, you know the importance of having a good word processing application. Microsoft’s Word is the standard by which all other word processing software is measured against, but it is quite expensive. Below are ten more economical alternatives to Microsoft Word, which offer many of the same features at a fraction of the price or even for free.

1. OpenOffice.org

Open Office is a free alternative to Microsoft Word. Offered by Sun Microsystems, Open Office includes many of the benefits of Microsoft Word including templates, document migration, bullet lists, adding art, database access, and much more. Open Office also has a large number of free plug ins that can be installed to increase its functionality. One negative aspect about Open Office is that it lacks a built in grammar checker, which is an important feature for all online students to have for their term papers and essays.

2. AbiWord

AbiWord is another free word processing application that is similar in design to Microsoft Word. AbiWord is available for a number of platforms including windows, linux, and Free BSD. More recent versions of Abiword also include integration with AbiCollab.net, which allows users from different locations to work on the same document simultaneously.

3. QJot

QJot is a small word processing program that was written specifically to allow users to read and write .doc files, the format in which Microsoft Word saves its files by default. Like the previous programs in this list, QJot is free for download for Windows.

4. Jarte

Jarte will also allow you to edit and write .doc files. There are two version of Jarte. The free version of Jarte provides basic functionality and compatibility with Word files, while the enhanced version called Jarte Plus costs a small fee. Jarte Plus features a PDF manual, spellchecker, auto-correction, and enhanced customization.

5. Google Docs

Google Docs is an online word processing tool developed by online giant Google. Users need to have a Google account before using the software. It provides basic word processing functionality and allows you to save files online for quick and easy access.

6. Zoho Writer

Zoho Writer is another online word processing program. Like Google Docs, you must register with Zoho Writer in order to use the program. Zoho Writer provides basic word processing functionality, allows users to collaborate on projects, and supports import and export of files. Zoho Writer also allows you to post directly to blogs using its software.

7. ThinkFree Writer

ThinkFree Writer is also available for online use as a word processor, but is also available for a small fee as a desktop word processing program. Like Google Docs and Zoho Writer, the program lacks all the bells and whistles of programs like Word, but for general typing, it has more than enough features.

8. Ajax Write

Ajax Write features the ability to read and write Microsoft Word files. Students using the Firefox web browser have added functionality when using Ajax Write. By typing in the website for the tool in the address bar, the program will open immediately.

9. Adobe Buzzword

Adobe Buzzword is a free, online word processing program that is currently in beta testing. Like many other online tools, Buzzword allows for collaboration and importing and exporting various types of document files.

10. gOffice

GOffice provides basic word processing support in a user friendly environment. It is available online, requiring users to create an account before using the service.