Word or OpenOffice - a comparison
If you are looking for a writing program but cannot decide between Word or OpenOffice, this comparison of the two office programs will help you.
Word or OpenOffice - Word
Word is a writing program and part of MS-Office, which also includes programs such as Excel or Outlook in addition to Word.
- Scope: MS-Word has all the necessary word processing functions, such as inserting tables or formatting headers and footers. However, MS Word counts more templates than OpenOffice Writer. This enables you to quickly create professional documents.
- Cost: MS-Word is not necessarily free, like OpenOffice. If you buy a Windows PC or a laptop with a Windows system, MS-Office is preinstalled and you will receive the MS-Office license free of charge with the purchase. However, if you would like to buy MS-Office extra, you will have to spend between 140 - 270 euros depending on the selected scope.
- Operation: Microsoft has developed a new operating concept with MS Office 2007. Beginners can learn to use MS Word quickly and easily. The functions are implemented with just a few clicks. A small tutorial is built into this program and you will find further help in Office Support.
Word or OpenOffice - OpenOffice
OpenOffice is the free alternative to MS Word. In addition to the counterpart to Word, it also has OpenOffice Calc or OpenOffice Draw.
- Scope: OpenOffice Writer has at least as many functions as MS Word, but has significantly fewer templates. If you want to use templates, Word is probably the better choice.
- Cost: OpenOffice with all subroutines is completely free. The program can be downloaded freely from the Internet.
- Operation: A change from MS-Word 2003 or older versions to OpenOffice Writer is possible without any problems. Both programs are very similar in operation and correspond to the usual operating standards. Here, too, there is a "help" function, also with the possibility of immediate help. However, OpenOffice does not offer customer service.
Word or OpenOffice - conclusion
OpenOffice and MS-Word are basically pretty similar and a changeover is actually not very difficult. OpenOffice is kept simpler and therefore, especially with the templates, not as extensive as MS-Word. MS-Word ensures professional work with just a few clicks. OpenOffice, on the other hand, is completely free. MS-Word can be supplied free of charge, but is generally cost-intensive with 140 - 270 euros. Both word processing programs provide you with tutorials, but MS-Word also offers office support with training and other help. OpenOffice is therefore suitable for small and uncomplicated word processing.
When you write letters in OpenOffice, it saves you a lot of time and effort to create your own templates with placeholders for letterhead, etc. You can find out how to do this in this practical tip.